tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52827653418832514302012-02-09T15:24:35.568-08:00write a little, read a little, get up, get out, live a lotToniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.comBlogger2081100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-62739490671962698362012-02-09T14:43:00.000-08:002012-02-09T14:43:27.113-08:00

A dead flower in winter It is now my second winter in Le Peg (2012) and it is much warmer and more enjoyable than 2011.  The Chinook's from the Rocky Mountains have somehow lasted all along the prairies and warned us over during past two weeks.  (That statement is probably completely meteorologically incorrect and perhaps improbable but it sounds good to me.) Hoar frost all over This

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-47731843074206393562012-02-07T23:47:00.000-08:002012-02-09T14:22:38.271-08:00

Due to the copious amounts of snow that fell during the winter of 2011, the Spring was upon us here in the water drenched province of Manitoba.  With 56 rivers, over 1,000 lakes we were join to lose.  Lose what?  I did not know as this was my first Spring in Winnipeg, but that amount of snow and the continuous rain?  We were going to lose. Canadians were smart back in the day, and most of our

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-6947666153298270412012-02-05T23:00:00.000-08:002012-02-05T23:00:35.426-08:00

Before I moved to Winnipeg I looked up some information about the city so that I could be more prepared, for what, I am not sure, but I figured more information was better than none.  One of the first pieces of information I learned was that for its size (about 634,000 people) it is the coldest city in the world.  Yep, you read that right.  In the WORLD.  I moved here anyway.  Let's just say that

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-66792705190906596632012-02-02T09:00:00.000-08:002012-02-02T09:00:07.930-08:00

Falling Backwards by Jann Arden My rating: 3 of 5 stars So far Jann is providing the reader with very detailed accounts of her childhood.  I am not sure she is going to make it into the singing career part of her life at this rate as I keep looking at the thickness of the book.  I shall keep you updated. I have been a fan of Jann Arden's music since the release of her first CD in the early 1990

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-80610320158204293882012-02-01T10:04:00.000-08:002012-02-01T10:04:04.559-08:00

Kiss the Sunset Pig by Laurie Gough My rating: 3 of 5 stars Laurie Gough has a traveling spirit and is constantly moving away from a consistent, scheduled, routine life, always trying to find a place she feels is full of the exotic other.  Through her trip in a jeep named Marcia from Southern Ontario to California, she recounts not only her experiences on the road, but spends several chapters

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-56927728317970598242012-01-16T21:07:00.000-08:002012-01-16T21:09:23.662-08:00

Many years ago when I was naive, lacked understanding and knowledge of the amount of work required to complete certain types of work, I had just finished eating a meal at my Aunt Arta and Uncle Kelvin's house.  Arta does not just serve a meal, she coordinates a feast.  Be in Indian food, turkey dinner, a concoction of salads (couscous, greens, etc), or other assortments of themed delights, she is

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-653733837692364212012-01-01T20:57:00.000-08:002012-01-01T20:59:44.741-08:00

Another year dawns and I am still alive and well.  This year there will include several milestones.  I leave my 30's in March and enter my 40's, which I hear are the new 20's.  Lucky me.  I want this year to be filled with a completed thesis of which I am proud, another graduation from University, a bit of travel, a bit of good conversation, a large amount of enjoyment.  Other than this, no New

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com2Lake Louise Dr, Banff park, Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L, Canada51.4168949 -116.21298251.097993900000006 -116.844696 51.7357959 -115.581268tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-90301046358745551002011-12-15T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-15T09:00:01.501-08:00

Walking the Gobi: A 1,600 Mile-trek Across a Desert of Hope and Despair by Helen Thayer So far I am trying to figure out why anyone would want to walk through a desert.  Barren.  Void.  Empty.  Sandy.  So far I am enjoying the book but as a tourist and a walker I just don't think I would ever make this a life goal as the author has.  I shall keep reading to open my eyes to her perspective. "

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-75178221177945593772011-12-14T11:16:00.000-08:002011-12-14T11:32:56.017-08:00

The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America by Bill Bryson My rating: 3 of 5 stars Bryson returns to the mid-western states where he grew up and experienced many family vacations on a shoe-string budget.  Looking for the quintessential American town, so far in the book he is disappointed and his tone is on the bitter side.  Bryson does find a few intriguing places and spaces that cause

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-82393938675675858292011-12-09T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-09T09:00:07.101-08:00

All my three grandmothers are now dead. It is harsh but true. Never met my maternal grandmother. Lucky enough to have two paternal grandmothers. Both paternal g's, very different from each other. Opposite sides of the spectrum. I am more like the one who birthed and raised my father, Grandma Billy. None of them are around to provide me with advice anymore. Don't worry. In today's day

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-9454192306421003732011-12-08T08:48:00.001-08:002011-12-08T08:53:07.794-08:00

While studying in the abnormal heat of September in Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg this past fall, I took a break, went for a walk and found a place to relieve myself.  I found a port-o-pottie, a place we all dread and praise at the same time.  Better than a bush along the river I suppose.  On the door I spotted a sign.  Yep. Odd?  Weird?  or Normal?  You decide. The saviour of my bladder.

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-3137130917503641202011-12-04T19:51:00.001-08:002011-12-04T19:51:47.262-08:00

Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day by Joan Bolker My rating: 3 of 5 stars An interesting and quick read for those beginning and thesis or dissertation.  I was able to quickly read through it during a two hour plane ride and pick out the best pieces of advice and tips for completing a thesis of which I am proud.  Now, to get to the writing! View all my reviews

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-80509155644618478672011-11-12T15:19:00.001-08:002011-11-12T15:21:48.768-08:00

Today I spent 7 hours completing government tests for potential employment positions at which I have a .0008% chance of being offered.  If I receive an offer, however remote, it could be awesome. What is worth my time? What is worth your time? In getting older, I am getting more picky about my time. Today may or may not have been worth my time.

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-62363879859146379692011-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:002011-11-11T11:11:04.246-08:00

Thought One On Remembrance Day I think about my Grandfather Lester Schmidt and the few stories he used to tell us, his grandchildren, about his experiences in World War II.  He never served on the front lines but he did provide supplies for others in the war.  He used to also tell me not to get old, it was hell.  This comment still makes me smile, like any of us have a choice.  Les dies many

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1Winnipeg, MB, Canada49.8997541 -97.137493749.7361116 -97.45335069999999 50.063396600000004 -96.8216367tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-20205678575036767822011-11-09T10:00:00.000-08:002011-11-09T10:00:07.154-08:00

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has a yearly fiction literature competition, Canada Reads, in which it chooses 10 books from the past year, and matches each up with a well-known Canadian figure to debate its greatness amongst other books with their well-known figures.  This year there is a new competition, Canada Reads: True Stories competition.  A list of 40 books from several

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1Canada56.130366 -106.34677118.435112000000004 172.793854 90.0 -25.487396000000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-77889901850126593002011-11-07T10:00:00.000-08:002011-11-07T10:00:04.605-08:00

It is important to keep good friends who pay attention when an opportunity arrises.  Such are my I Love Manitoba Adventure friends.  Once of them heard about a caving club and attended a meeting, after which she set up a caving adventure with one of the groups organizers.  Brilliant woman and so excited when she called me!  I have been in several caves in the rockies but it was mostly enter the

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1Fisher Branch, Manitoba, Canada51.082645 -97.619570951.07267 -97.6393119 51.09262 -97.5998299tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-49534504884814881182011-11-05T10:00:00.001-07:002011-11-05T10:00:00.615-07:00

Adventure number two began with the decision to find a river down which to tube.  My two I Love Manitoba Adventure friends had completed the research and we headed east of the city where several rivers were possibilities.  A quick stop at the local information centre once we were nearer to the rivers was not as helpful as we thought it would be, so we tried visiting a few rivers to complete our

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1Whitemouth Fall Provincial Park, Manitoba, Canada50.11760625553282 -96.0332107543945350.10742425553282 -96.05295175439453 50.12778825553282 -96.01346975439454tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-75039150940431142952011-11-03T07:18:00.000-07:002011-11-03T09:37:33.670-07:00

There are several reasons why I have never really been a comics reader, but as I mature and age the obvious reason becomes less subtle and more overt: sexualization of female characters.  To the point at which creators of comics are pushing soft porn images on children and teens; that women become valid and contributing members of society only if their bust size is four times their waist size;

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-20918792314261620172011-11-02T10:00:00.000-07:002011-11-02T10:00:07.539-07:00

The adventures continued as Teague suggested tubing down a river and those of us interested gathered bathing suits, life jackets, floating toys/boats/rafts, and slathered on sunscreen.  We headed to Enderby and the Shuswap River, a 30 minutes ride away from the cabin. We arrived at the Enderby Visitor Info Centre and began a conversation about which point we should enter the lake,and where we

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1Enderby, BC, Canada50.5508333 -119.139722250.5306548 -119.1792042 50.5710118 -119.10024019999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-43439528515245902602011-10-31T22:38:00.000-07:002011-10-31T22:39:13.247-07:00

While the summers are loaded with activities and fun on the family property at Shuswap, sometimes you just need to get away and enjoy another part of the beautiful Okanagan.  Half way through August, such a day rolled around and my brother (the activity planner for the summer) decided it was going to be a trip to Margaret Falls located in Herald Provincial Park near Tappen, British Columbia, a

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0Salmon Arm, BC, Canada50.700385 -119.28004750.6601485 -119.359011 50.740621499999996 -119.201083tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-60229456947594499992011-10-14T12:15:00.000-07:002011-10-31T22:39:05.633-07:00

This what I currently feel like: Photograph by T. Bates As you walk down the streets of Prague (Praha), the capital of the Czech Republic, your feet are touching the foundations of the old remnants of four town boroughs (Old Town, New Town, Hradčany and Lesser Town).  Different cities, united in the 18th century, into one urban space. As you gaze around, your eyes will take in Charles

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-92028195257330272092011-10-11T07:52:00.000-07:002011-10-11T07:52:37.707-07:00

Crazy busy does not begin to tell you how my life is at this point.  Trying to survive a quantitative statistics class, writing a thesis, needing to propose by December, completing student governance work on two levels, preparing for two AGM's, attempting to grade two sets of assignments, teaching a seminar, updating resume, applying for potential employment, completing some research on behalf of

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-17033221116366473332011-09-21T19:28:00.000-07:002011-11-01T00:46:27.297-07:00

A friend of mine moved to Manitoba several years ago from Nova Scotia, and is having a difficult time adjusting to a different province.  We may be one country but as many Canadians know, each province and territory has it own unique flavour, feel, natural beauties, and points of interest. Moving is one of the most stressful experiences of life (find more life event stresses here) and the

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-69922821177220492052011-09-18T09:04:00.000-07:002011-09-18T09:10:37.008-07:00

Walk To New York by Charles Wilkins My rating: 4 of 5 stars "However, if one thing more than any other attracted me about traditional notions of pilgrimage, it was the suggestion that the spiritual is not just of the air and of the unseen but of the earth underfoot, that there is a transcendent, if not mystic, power in the mountains and forests and waters themselves, and even in the streets of

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-938097363008368242011-09-11T18:53:00.000-07:002011-09-11T18:57:48.606-07:00

When my family gathered in BC for several weeks in August, we experienced yet another gorgeous storm at Shuswap.  This one however came with a bit of fright, concern and nature reminding us who is in charge.  From my parents cabin/house, we can see storms coming from the north-west (on the left) and they slowly descend across the lake, mountains and beach to the east (righthand side).

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com2Annis Bay, BC, Canada50.792047064406866 -119.0780639648437550.71179856440686 -119.23599246484375 50.87229556440687 -118.92013546484375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-48971821302409285822011-09-05T23:17:00.000-07:002011-09-05T23:21:29.466-07:00

Back in the 1960's my grandfather Pilling had the far-sighted intelligence to buy a piece of property 550 kilometres away from Calgary, as a family summer vacation spot.  With his purchase of 60 acres of land his descendants have lived a good number of summers and enjoyed the forests of British Columbia and the waters of Shuswap Lake.  Anyone who visits is very fortunate and many of his relatives

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-15421102923838767142011-08-30T10:00:00.000-07:002011-08-31T08:55:50.666-07:00

Monday night as I sat at my computer and typed out my thesis, Chapter 1, I found I could concentrate more with a bit of chocolate at my side.  Not surprising.  I did spend four of my most influential pre-teen years living in Brussels, Belgium, the chocolate heaven of Europe.  It is here thanks to Leonidas, Cote D'or, Neuhaus Chocolate, etc that I became a snob, a chocolate snob.  In most other

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0Belgium50.839563157385314 4.33870730124999749.83549715738531 2.3968473012499967 51.843629157385315 6.280567301249997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-135412832515761732011-08-29T12:41:00.000-07:002011-08-29T12:41:11.965-07:00

A PSA announcement to help those of us who have not figured out yet that using the word 'retard' or 'retarded' is not respectful, considerate, kind or acceptable.  Having worked with, taught, been friends with and have family members who have been diagnosed with a disability(ies), language barriers or learning issues, it is time to spread the word and stop the use of language that causes others

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-10683692751251657882011-08-28T18:12:00.000-07:002011-08-29T13:17:45.989-07:00

Found this on the '1,000,000 Pissed Off Women' page I am a part of on Facebook. Makes me want to start singing Disney's version of Snow White, with excessive vibrato as I do when my sisters are around, 'one day my Prince will come, one day...'  Ha ha!  Love it!

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-36799630584266991472011-08-27T12:06:00.000-07:002011-08-27T12:54:37.711-07:00

Just wanted to commemorate the listening of Jack Layton's funeral on CBC Radio. I know that we idealize people during funerals but with teach talk, speech, piece of information about Jack, he is more amazing. For a person to pioneer causes such as decreasing violence against women; improving the situation of the poor; to listen to the issues facing immigrant individuals and families; fighting

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-47658244068040414502011-08-25T21:21:00.000-07:002011-08-25T21:21:52.166-07:00

The post below may have just been qualified.  Please take the time to select books that enlighten and enlarge the mind, rather than those that reinforce stereotypes, old notions, and inequality. Awful Library Books PS.  Don't forget to check out the disturbing books on the website above titled I'm Black & I'm Sober, The Right Touch and Why Do People Harm Animals and Beefcake.  Yikes!

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-84262632743809539882011-08-25T15:24:00.000-07:002011-08-25T21:15:24.535-07:00

It has now been about a decade since I discovered that sharing books through a public library keeps money in my pocket and less heavy clutter in my life.  Since my conversion to the public and academic libraries and the wonderfullness of their existence, I visit at least 1 day per week.  When is the last time you visited your local library?  Read an actual book?  Touch and smelled the pages of a

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-50844709809951741332011-08-21T21:48:00.000-07:002011-08-21T21:49:44.903-07:00

My experience on Twitter was brief.  My account was hacked and to be honest, I need to be doing other things with my time at this point in life.  I must also do some research to protect my account in case I join again to avoid the hackage.  Even so, I may take a peak once in a while.  Cheers to Twitter users and have fun with the 140 characters!

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-66581529686843400242011-08-15T11:48:00.000-07:002011-08-15T11:48:42.959-07:00

The Cult of the Amateur: How today's Internet is killing our culture by Andrew Keen My rating: 3 of 5 stars While a good read the premise of the book concerned me. Essentially the author is concerned that the growing voice of alternative and amateur voices, as opposed to well-trained professional voices, are increasing in volume and opinion on the Internet, sending Western culture into a

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-82994901560459977562011-08-02T22:23:00.000-07:002011-08-21T21:51:06.367-07:00

My family dances.  The best wedding I have ever attended was my sister Lurene's, who married Tim, both of whom are professional trombone players and who invited Tim's Big Band to play at their reception. The Southern Stardust Big Band. Tim standing on the right. We danced for about 5 hours: cha-cha, waltz, tango, foxtrot, and the like.  I stopped once briefly to get a drink.  Heaven

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-30207396068866095962011-07-29T12:56:00.001-07:002011-07-29T12:56:38.787-07:00

Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation is Changing the World by Don Tapscott Very interesting book if you are older than 31 to help you understand the reasons why the Net Generation is always connected and online.  Full of positive opinions about the generation now 11 - 31 years old and the powerful voices they are developing to use Web 2.0 to influence companies, governments, schools and

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-3109188350002058802011-07-27T12:21:00.000-07:002011-07-28T21:07:22.057-07:00

Doing research for my thesis. Found this in the footnotes of an article on blogging. The Holy Grail of Blogging One of the original blogs. Where is began. Simple. Crude. Partly unintelligible to the non-programming eye. Cooooooool. Robot Wisdom by Jorn Barger (www.robotwisdom.com, if link does not work) Today's lesson? Read the footnotes. Always read the footnotes. Then follow the links.

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-29545266437942238032011-07-25T10:34:00.000-07:002011-07-25T10:34:06.244-07:00

My friend Wanda, the owner of Estudio Luna (Facebook link), whom I met through another friend Darren, the CEO of Solalta Advisors, introduced me inadvertently to Ashleigh and Scott, owners of Vinyl Recreations, as I arrived at Wanda's studio one night to go out to The Academy's UK Pop Night.  Funny enough it was a mistaken meeting as I showed up at Winnipeg Fringe on the wrong day, but at the

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-76511793807454176912011-07-17T23:02:00.000-07:002011-07-18T18:11:41.637-07:00

Hersteria Borrowed from LePeg Festival Website I write this review not solely as a lover of the arts, acting, singing, dancing, performance, but as an individual with a trained eye, ear and understanding.  You see my musical mother, who descended from a musical family, had her four older children arranged around the piano singing in unison by the time I was 7, then in parts by age 11.  We

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-26314993247191554362011-07-16T18:40:00.000-07:002011-07-17T09:46:16.246-07:00

Show Reviews Thus Far:  Lizard Boy A one man act that takes the audience into a Columbian (if I remember correctly) housing complex through the eyes of a 10 year old boy. Using the attic of his house as a secret hide-out, he takes us through a series of stories that help us understand his early life experiences. Replete with stories of his kind mother; his unhealthy and abusive father; in

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-73259840852481524712011-07-15T07:43:00.000-07:002011-07-15T07:43:01.968-07:00

High on the Big Stone Heart: And Further Adventures in the Boreal Heartland by Charles Wilkins My rating: 2 of 5 stars As you may have guessed I am indulging in a large selection of travel books as of late.  I had high expectations of this book as I am living next to the Canadian Shield and thought it would be replete with stories of hiking, jumping, walking, camping, animal encounters, sunsets

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-67236536175196259082011-07-14T07:39:00.000-07:002011-07-14T07:39:53.154-07:00

Blog Theory: Feedback and Capture in the Circuits of Drive by Jodi Dean My rating: 4 of 5 stars One of those books for my thesis that I will have to read again because I have the gist of it, but I need to re-read it so that I can understand the underlying ideas that further define the books thesis.  In essence the author states that blogs are a contemporary medium that is a "strange convergence

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-60921929205530618482011-07-13T14:30:00.000-07:002011-07-14T07:40:16.490-07:00

The Best Travel Writing 2007: True Stories from Around the World by James O'Reilly My rating: 3 of 5 stars An eclectic mix of stories pulled from mostly North American travel writer's originally published in other sources.  These short snippets of travel stories provide the reader with a pick-and-choose reading opportunity, as each reader may not find the topic of each piece in harmony with

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-59283388968504000052011-07-12T09:00:00.000-07:002011-07-17T09:53:38.622-07:00

Son of a Witch by Gregory Maguire My rating: 2 of 5 stars While I enjoyed the book as a story of a lost young man who may or may not be the son of Alphaba, it was very dark and depressing.  As the plot proceeds there is a measure of main character development, but during his wanderings through Oz, he and the readers, is not really sure of who he is or is place in the grand scheme of the book,

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-15133040904218357752011-07-06T09:00:00.000-07:002011-07-06T09:00:04.603-07:00

Winnipeg is the city of summer festivals.  It is not the only city that can brag as such, but it has the most summer festivals in Western Canada with Edmonton coming in a close second (I may have just made that up).  My goal is to volunteer for every festival possible in Winnipeg this summer.  The logic is that festivals cost money, volunteering saves me that money, I meet new people, enjoy live

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-80568532327941638392011-07-04T09:00:00.000-07:002011-07-04T09:00:05.733-07:00

Ok, even though I am partly American (as well as French, Irish, British, Scotish, Metis, and Canadian), I have one niece and two nephews who are half American, I have lived in the US and I have many friends who are American, I thought for July 4th I would share with my 9 readers the incredibly intelligent humour of The Arrogant Worms.  The first time I went to their concert I laughed so much and

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-63096786950486947312011-07-03T16:53:00.000-07:002011-07-03T16:53:50.161-07:00

Here is a video that I have taken from the blog Joe. My. God., who also posted it from YouTube, and was created by the National Film Board of Canada.  Shatner hilariously rewrites the Canadian anthem to update it for the 21st Century with regards to health care, native rights, religion or no religion, marriage equality, gender neutral language, size of country, all through the enjoyable medium of

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-30289776108150160222011-07-01T16:31:00.000-07:002011-07-01T16:32:24.306-07:00

So far I have ventured to the Manitoba Legislature to see the human Canadian flag being created (no pics, raining too much), visited the Canadian Mint and received a free gold Canadian flag pin, walked up and down Osbourne Street to enjoy people, food and the funky.  I am off to The Forks tonight to see fireworks and have had an excellent super humid and hot Canada Day.  My goal with my camera

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-20098825910226449212011-06-30T18:05:00.000-07:002011-06-30T18:06:03.095-07:00

I can't decide if this is the most hilarious blog I have seen in a while, the most weird, the most creative, the most bizarre, or a person with a great deal of time on their hands.  Then again, this looks like an extension of authored books, that is worth anyone's time.  Give it a peak: My Milk Toof

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-87792948346759296262011-06-29T19:34:00.000-07:002011-06-29T19:34:00.713-07:00

To Timbuktu for a Haircut: A Journey Through West Africa by Rick Antonson My rating: 4 of 5 stars An amazing book about a well-known travel writer who has always to go to Timbuktu for a haircut (inspiration from his dad).  With time to spare in his life between projects, his spouse suggests he finally takes the trip and he departs.  Full of historical information, stories of ancient European

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-39758085299829798762011-06-20T20:29:00.000-07:002011-06-20T20:29:56.069-07:00

It is Aboriginal Awareness week and June 21 is Aboriginal Awareness Day. Today I challenge you to think about the disenfranchised people in our country, a significant number of who are of Aboriginal, Metis and Inuit decent.  I challenge you to question your attitudes, thoughts and opinions of First Nations, Metis and Inuit people and eradicate thoughts and beliefs you may hold that victim blame

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-61195062597377126152011-06-16T21:37:00.000-07:002011-06-16T21:37:30.857-07:00

When I arrived in the Peg and looked around the University I decided that as this may be my last time around (PhD undecided), I was going to really, I mean REALLY, get involved in the University.  At every turn there seemed to be someone already in a position that I found interesting.  Towards the end of the first school year the Graduate Student Association advertised their elections in April

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-1825097865989791042011-06-08T19:21:00.000-07:002011-06-08T19:22:28.778-07:00

I have been in Ottawa enjoying the debates involved in student governance, seeing old friends, and visiting sights I dearly love.  A post about that to come later.  For now, a new website for me: see more There I Fixed It For more hilarity, check out: There, I Fixed It (A part of the Fail Blogs)

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-88365548248416099822011-05-27T13:45:00.000-07:002011-05-27T13:45:00.909-07:00

As of May 19 Parks Canada began celebrating its Centennial Birthday.   Go for a visit. Enjoy the outdoors. Attend an event in your area. Enjoy the green that keeps our minds and souls feeling amazing! From the Parks Canada Website

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-34847952070776681102011-05-25T13:25:00.000-07:002011-05-25T13:25:00.171-07:00

As I work on my thesis I am finding that I am drawn towards travel and tourism via the internet.  How people gather information about an upcoming trip; whose stories do we read and whose do we believe; is there a community to be found on websites such as Matador, Gadling, and Offexploring, how is the community shaped and what influence does it have on the industry; what about those people who

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-46355762143737823642011-05-23T09:46:00.000-07:002011-05-23T09:46:34.837-07:00

I am usually what is called a mid to late adopter, meaning that when something is a new, a piece of technology, a new band, or a new fashion, I am towards the middle to latter portion of the majority of people who begin including it in my life.  Perhaps the skeptic in me takes over or I just don't like being like everyone else and adopt it after the 'coolness' factor has decreased.  On occasion

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-39677776380714037302011-05-22T12:43:00.000-07:002011-05-22T12:43:00.183-07:00

This is an extension of the revived Bishop Higgins blog.  Taking a stand to even out the playing field of the over-extended Mormon mommy blogs, these men have started their own mommy blog.  I place it here for all my Mormon friends who enjoy the intricate details of the culture in which they grew up.  If you can't laugh and make fun of your own culture, life ain't sweet enough  Enjoy! Modern

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-82579180547269666192011-05-20T09:43:00.000-07:002011-05-20T09:43:25.907-07:00

My first presentation at a conference occurred last weekend (thanks to a friend and colleague of mine).  It was a small audience and we presented information concerning the many uses of technology in online courses in the distance education world.  But Tonia, you may ask, this is not even in your faculty as you have made the switch back to recreation and tourism?  True, yet after almost a decade

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-20035807073067735632011-05-13T09:00:00.000-07:002011-05-13T10:57:47.405-07:00

As I was trying to avoid work this past weekend I stubbled upon this.  It is so funny!  Especially for those of us who don't mind making fun of religion.  mr.diety is the brain child of Brian Dalton who was raised in as a Christian and has become an atheist after having taking a long hard look at what he had learned and how so much of it, to him, became absurd or even dangerous to believe.  He

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-69446392018714822622011-05-11T09:00:00.000-07:002011-05-11T09:00:03.588-07:00

My mother taught choir at school in her 'spare time' while teaching in Ottawa.  Her choir was known as the 'black light choir' as the children wore black, the lights would dim, the children would start singing, then the kids would pull out their hands wrapped in white gloves and begin to dance them around with planned movements and organized theatrics.  The audience would gasp knowing they were

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-63456894810345716232011-05-09T09:00:00.000-07:002011-05-09T09:00:00.462-07:00

While I was in London, UK I wandered in and out of delicious antiquarian bookstores by the dozen.  The best street for old books, creepy floored bookstores, dusty shelves and true collectors and ravagers of the written word is Charing Cross Road, at least if people keep shopping at these independent stores.  As I toured the shelves and softly stepped on the floors I kept seeing books by Bill

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-80172480502994614352011-05-07T09:00:00.000-07:002011-05-07T09:00:02.960-07:00

Often I find myself in discussions with people who don't believe that changing language is important.  This means using a particular gender, race, or term is meaningful.  May I suggest these people start reading Foucault and go from there. Recently my language was corrected.  At a political weekend with other students, a young Korean-Canadian corrected my language after I used the term '

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-74761672361831081592011-05-04T10:38:00.000-07:002011-05-04T10:49:59.548-07:00

As a former educator, as a niece with a bully for an uncle, an employee who worked with an underhanded bully, and as a family member whose sibling was bullied, we are all affected by the issues of bullying.  In particular in the USA in 2010 there has been wide spread acknowledgement that openly gay and bisexual teens are not only bullied more but have fewer resources and people from whom to ask

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-47685769739490799222011-05-03T10:00:00.000-07:002011-05-03T10:00:05.847-07:00

Since I am student and strapped for cash, I have taking books out of the library breathing travel though other's words and making plans for my future adventures. Lois on the Loose A courageous biker woman from the United Kingdom is tired of her repetitive life in London in a small office at the BBC and longs for an adventure out in the world.  I long for more adventures IN London myself, but I

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-78103683545706038422011-05-02T20:23:00.000-07:002011-05-02T20:25:42.478-07:00

Elizabeth May!!! Green Party may get their first seat on Parliament Hill ever!!! NDP make us proud!!! Liberals, maybe next time more blue will be turned red. Harper Government Government of Canada: do not screw up health care in 2014 don't bring up gay marriage again, it's legal, leave it alone don't revisit the abortion debate, it needs to stay legal we don't need more cuts to

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-48937668873670598422011-05-02T19:56:00.000-07:002011-05-02T19:56:38.959-07:00

.....VOTE.... I did not mean a majority Conservative vote. I have never voted Conservative. Nor will I ever. Harper and his harpies. There may have been vote splitting, but more people voted for the blue. Crap. I am going to start complaining now and it will not end for many months/years to come. Harper does not listen. He does not listen. I want a leader who listens. Crap.

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-1144615286658234982011-05-02T09:00:00.000-07:002011-05-02T09:00:02.770-07:00

VOTE!!! VOTE!!!     VOTE CANADA VOTE!!!!

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-71749411535701558702011-04-30T15:06:00.000-07:002011-04-30T15:23:23.713-07:00

The 39 New Things I am doing this year continues:  My friend Christa's brother, Randy, came into town and the next thing I know they have planned a clambake on Grand Beach, one of the first places I was told to visit when I moved to Manitoba.  OK, maybe not a clambake, but not having every lived near an ocean since childhood, I can only make reference to the 1945 Rogers & Hammerstein musical,

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-59834798139793264732011-04-29T15:03:00.000-07:002011-04-29T15:06:05.209-07:00

Yes I did it.  I watched the Royal Wedding.  After having danced and chatted with fellow graduates until midnight on Thursday at the end of year party, I woke up at 4 AM to head to a friend's house and watch the events unfold.  Here is why I watched: After having lived in London every summer for 4 years and almost one year after that,  I miss the vibrant, eclectic, pulsing city at least once

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-89681956158898872892011-04-28T10:00:00.000-07:002011-04-28T10:00:07.081-07:00

For the past four days I have been walking around in a daze trying to recuperate from the term which just ended.  Last night, after having helped a friend build a dark room at an art studio, I returned home and fell asleep by 10 pm, a rarity.  It was a hard, deep, comfy sleep.  This made my body and mind wake up at 6 am on Easter Sunday.  This woman is an owl, not a morning person and this was

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-48645642094637441762011-04-26T10:00:00.000-07:002011-04-26T10:00:03.644-07:00

Interested in participating in a coalition of Canadian citizens who have created Project Democracy and don't want to see Harper back in power in Ottawa?  Here is a link below so you can read more and use a widget that will help you find the leading or elected incumbent in your area so the vote does not split, thus reinstating those currently in power who are not listening or playing well with

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-28133482222005799402011-04-24T10:00:00.000-07:002011-04-24T10:00:00.434-07:00

I was brave. I did something I had never done before. It was intriguing, fun, interesting, sensual, thought provoking and delightful. A person can choose to leave a patriarchal organization but the deconstruction of its training, which marginalizes, controls and silences so many people, is a series of incredibly deep mental and emotional changes the individual has to choose to truly disengage

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-37657331205233526352011-04-22T20:50:00.000-07:002011-04-22T22:38:42.111-07:00

It has been a while.  Over the last two weeks I have written 50 pages of academic writing for 3 papers for 3 different classes on 3 different subjects.  This term was going to be tough and these papers pushed, pulled, squeezed, manipulated and crunched my brain into places that are new.  New knowledge.  New thoughts.  New theories.  New ideologies.  Moments on which to dwell in order to entwine

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-62515969067765799232011-04-04T10:00:00.000-07:002011-04-04T10:00:01.894-07:00

Oh to not care about what one looks like! "I have...now reached the age where I have positively not an eyelash  of physical vanity left: my clackers can rattle down to my flat feet  and my wig drop off in front of the howling mob for all I care." - Caitlin Thomas, widow of poet Dylan

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-26805022787481797262011-03-31T05:35:00.000-07:002011-03-31T05:35:47.460-07:00

'Tis the day of my birth! 39 years ago my mother was in pain as my father looked one in hapless wonder at the 10 pound girl that was popping out of the womb 5 times I have come close to no longer being alive or have to serious injury: meningitis at 4 months old, near drowning at around 5, jumping off the side of the pool backwards requiring 5 different sets of stitches, pulling a large set of

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-10593192468250862782011-03-30T19:41:00.000-07:002011-03-30T19:41:57.109-07:00

A message I received from my Aunt Arta who wanted to let me know what preparations my sisters were having in honour of my birthday tomorrow.  This makes me smile because I would have been thrilled with the treats if they would have sent them, but the smile in my face reading that my sisters and Aunt ate treats on my behalf, is just as big: Hello Tonia, I know tomorrow is your happy

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-32446205661221589552011-03-28T15:47:00.000-07:002011-03-28T15:47:55.817-07:00

He he he, pets anyone? "The best things in life are free. So, how many kittens to you want?" - Mary Jo Perdue, punchliner

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-51501923863909269682011-03-27T19:55:00.000-07:002011-03-27T19:55:28.736-07:00

Many years ago when I was a practicing member of the LDS faith, a friend introduced me to a site called Mormon Stories Podcasts.  I dove in and found an incredible collection of stories, ideas, thoughts and perspectives that provide a breadth of understandings to those who are Mormon and those who are not. Several years ago, the site was taken down by John Dehlin (a practicing Mormon), stopped

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-81572432322424672212011-03-25T10:00:00.000-07:002011-03-25T10:00:12.548-07:00

A classmate of mine encouraged me to download Bodega the other day.  She said that her partner had developed this website for phone Apps, a unique idea at the time, then disappointment struck as Apple created their own App store.  Download it.  Check it out if you get the chance.  Share the money, power, capital, production and consumption of goods in North America.  Give as much as you can to

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-37680296815488338982011-03-23T11:00:00.000-07:002011-03-23T11:00:06.464-07:00

How would you describe prison?  Here is one description.  It also reminds us all that if we are going to pick a partner or spouse, choose wisely as you could end up with someone who, when under mounting pressure of debt, would do something to end your life: "It's a bit like a Travelodge, minus the mini bar and room service." - Kate Knight, who poured antifreeze on her husband's meals to slowly

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-28409687312854047182011-03-20T10:00:00.000-07:002011-03-20T10:00:02.618-07:00

For Reading Week this year (yes I have one of those again, always the last week of February) I spent a weekend at a friend's cabin.  Usually I am going to my family's cabin in British Columbia but that is now three provinces and 21 hour away, not so easy.  We were off to Lac du Bonnet only one hour away.  That is a luxury as my cabin is 5 hours away from Calgary where I used to dwell.  One hour?

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-54266175335655183862011-03-19T10:00:00.000-07:002011-03-19T10:00:03.487-07:00

Here is another doozy.  Short and not so sweet: "It was love, and it ended." - Katie Price, on the demise of her marriage.  British model & fashion designer.

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-50143813580326465972011-03-13T21:53:00.000-07:002011-03-13T21:53:16.506-07:00

This past week was stressful with many academic assignments due, six chapters from books and 3 articles to read.  After all the crazy academic work was done, somehow I found time to attend a few recreation activities. The first was a touring concert with Sarah MacLaughlan to perform songs from her new CD, Laws Of Illusion on International Women's Day.  I had not purchased the CD as of yet, but

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-23086421500522381582011-03-12T11:47:00.000-08:002011-03-12T11:47:00.414-08:00

Now that I have converted to Apple products, I am continually ensuring that I am have not sold my heart and soul to the company, any company.  Here is one place I have found to pay for and download music that is edgy, more independent and Canadian. Zunior: The Little Digital Music Store Here is a band whose music I just heard on my beloved CBC Radio procured.  A delightfully quiet and lyrical

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-12034769318148230382011-03-01T10:00:00.000-08:002011-03-05T09:52:25.785-08:00

Here is the social follow-up to my previous BMI Rant. One of the classes I am currently taking requires us to find, read, summarize and pose questions based on an article based for that week's topic.  This week the topic is Leisure Constraints for which I found the following article and my summary.  It is long but really, really good and will remind us all that prejudice in any for is completely

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-42182016622750055712011-02-28T09:05:00.000-08:002011-02-28T09:05:00.450-08:00

I am not in favour of anyone group having exclusive access to the art that we can access, but I am in support of making visual art more accessible for all people across the planet.  Browse through images, see them electronically up close, view rooms in museums around the world.  Then save your pennies and visit them with your own eyes and your own brain. Here is one such website:  Google Art

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-61858877827273512412011-02-27T10:24:00.000-08:002011-02-27T10:24:48.704-08:00

Several years ago a talk was posted on the TED.com website that had me laughing and saying, "yes, we should do that!"  This week I was reminded of this talk with my Aunt as she posted on a family blog a chat with her daughter and granddaughter concerning children playing with fire.  Gever Tulley was the speaker and the talk was titled: 5 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Kids Do.  Yep.  Dat's

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-48437774085296588212011-02-25T09:56:00.000-08:002011-02-25T09:59:58.622-08:00

While studying about Theoretical Definitions I came across this: A recent effect of differing theoretical definitions occurred when millions of Americans went from normal to overweight in a day's time. The change in the theoretical definition of "overweight" was based on new theories put forth by the National Institutes of Health suggesting greater risks than originally believed. The government

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-50357255051999955832011-02-23T20:24:00.000-08:002011-02-23T20:24:25.555-08:00

After my quick trip to Costco during which I bought excessive amounts of prepared foods as my time is limited over the next month, I came back to my apartment to begin the organization of said foods in grab-and-go containers.  There is no television in my apartment as it is a distraction from actually completing my Master's Degree and I live alone, so listen to CBC radio quite a bit.  Local radio

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-91119083599659060892011-02-22T10:38:00.000-08:002011-02-22T10:38:54.841-08:00

This weekend I spent time out at Lac Du Bonnet at a friend's cabin.  It was my style of camping: large living room, three bathrooms, queen size beds, running showers / toilets / sinks, taking turns making meals, and fantastic conversation.  As well, we had a two hour photography jaunt to the Pinawa Damp and I also took the time to photograph some birds that were attracted to the owners bird

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-8471223988413044772011-02-12T16:50:00.000-08:002011-02-12T16:50:00.356-08:00

He he he!  Another one! "The movie Fatal Attraction really ruined things for women.   I mean, you can't even call a guy 150 times a day any more  without having them get all bent out of shape." - Lisa Goich, guffaw getter

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-39892496173114381182011-02-08T20:03:00.000-08:002011-02-08T20:03:19.986-08:00

14 hour day yesterday up until 2 am 7 articles read 1 poster complete for undergrad presentation night 5 page paper to finish tonight 1 page proposal to complete tonight 32 undergrads to train as physical education teachers in two days 2 book chapters to read 124 papers to grade by next Wednesday 8 more articles to read next week 1 take home mid-term to finish in two weeks mid-term three days

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-21016257715474201082011-02-01T23:09:00.000-08:002011-02-01T23:14:13.843-08:00

Love these lyrics: The fisherman comes upPuts his two poles in the sand He stares out at the sea Just exactly like me But I've got a book in my hand We will have caught on to something by the end of the day But mostly we think about the one that got away. (Chorus) I've walked through the desertClimbed over mountains so high Through jungles and plains I took buses and trains And airplanes

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-55379876080889343352011-01-31T10:00:00.000-08:002011-01-31T10:00:05.565-08:00

Recently several ballet movies have entered the options of movies to see, here is another.  A deeply moving story of a man, Li Cunxin (played as an adult by Chi Chao), who was plucked out of his life by his government, trained in a profession not of his choosing, given the opportunity to travel, where his talent is refined and he discovers the backbone of courage he did not know he possessed.  

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-86110731720862114362011-01-29T10:00:00.000-08:002011-01-29T10:00:04.062-08:00

Here is another ditty from Monday, January 17: "Conversation may be compared to a lyre with seven chords -  philosophy, art, poetry, politics, love, scandal, and the weather."  - Anna Brownwell Jameson, nineteenth-centry art critic

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-84810644841587714012011-01-27T21:23:00.000-08:002011-01-27T21:23:35.715-08:00

Several years ago while travelling through Rome my two friends and I spotted the most hilarious of calendars.  Catholic priests, completely dressed, but whose faces and body language suggested a layer of hotness.  We each bought one and years later they are still being used as specific dates are not attached to specific weekdays.  Smart calendar making! Roman Priest Calendar Not the best link

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-86924791067215740762011-01-25T14:57:00.000-08:002011-02-08T20:04:34.230-08:00

When I finished high school my family moved to Ottawa and I moved from a city of 3 million people (Cleveland) to a city of 40,000 (Medicine Hat).  It actually saw tumbleweed rolling through the downtown bit (too small to be called a 'core') one day when I was trying to get to know the city.  Culture shock in so many ways!  While in The Hat I pretended to go to class and played basketball with the

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-24702817771216473192011-01-18T10:00:00.000-08:002011-01-18T10:00:00.362-08:00

Amongst the travels my family made one spot was Cleveland, Ohio.  We moved to the city in 1986 and left to move to Ottawa in 1990.  That provided me with enough time to begin Grade 9 and finish high-school completing Grade 12.  Interestingly enough we moved from Brussels, Belgium to Cleveland.  I know, odd really.  Two cities that I thought were polar opposites historically, in entertainment,

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-80755750445353857152011-01-17T09:00:00.000-08:002011-01-17T09:00:08.745-08:00

Here is the ditty from Thursday, January 13. "A lot of people have told me I'm special,  and I don't argue with them because I don't like confrontation."  - Stefanie Wilder-Taylor, tell-all blogger.

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5282765341883251430.post-27343061515089169372011-01-15T19:30:00.000-08:002011-01-15T19:30:06.925-08:00

I have never had a psychotic episode in which I have blended reality and my own inner mind's workings into one large experience, all of which I believe is authentic.  After having seen Black Swan, I have a closer understanding of what a psychotic episode might look like. For many years I worked hard practicing, completing drills, working as a team and sweating meeting the goal of being the best

Toniahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15960486841313449167noreply@blogger.com0