Yesterday, I reviewed an 80+ page document, looking for patterns and themes. My colleagues and I have been writing weekly reflections about our work, and we want to summarize what we've learned. The act of reflecting is not unique to people in the social sector, but writing reflections is something any social work student quickly …
I know I’m not the only one who notices how things change as we get older. In particular, there’s something about traditions, holidays, and milestone events that allow for a comparison through time. Last week, for example, the Canadian Finals Rodeo became a bit of a time machine for me. I joined my mom on …
Continue reading Holding each other up, through 25 years of finals
For anyone who’s read some of my increasing skepticism about social media, it’s probably no surprise that I sometimes roll my eyes at today’s use of the word “influencer.” But Instagram divas aside, there are certainly people who’ve had huge influence on my life and personality. Earlier this week, one of my grandfathers would have …
I once worked with an executive who had his own way of saying things. For his retirement, we made posters with a caricature of him and all his favourite catchphrases. While this one didn’t make the poster, I do remember him telling me, "Everyone seems equally pissed off with us, no matter what side they …
Here’s an easy-to-swallow statement: I think it’s sad when people die. I’m going to assume most people generally agree with me there. But let’s digress for a moment. (Although I’m pretty sure you’ll see where I’m headed.) A few days ago, I completed a government survey on supervised drug consumption sites. As I wrote in …
“Why is everyone standing there?” and “Could it really be worth the line?!” I overheard both these questions on a recent trip to Seattle. In both situations, I was feeling a bit like a sheep following its flock. The first question came from someone walking by a group that had lined up – with phone cameras …
During the transition from junior high to high school, my principal emphasized the need to “keep your doors open.” When my mom heard this phrase, she glommed on pretty quickly. (Side note: Microsoft Office seems to agree that “glommed” is actually a word, and I’m a bit surprised.) Our principal wanted us – for example …
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I decided to change career tracks a couple years ago, and ended up going back to school. I think one of the best things at any level of education is the people you meet, and I was lucky to make a bunch of new friends – including several …
A rainy day seems as good a time as any to finish off this blog post that I started a couple of weeks ago after visiting Fort McMurray for the first time since the devastating wildfire of May 2016. I grew up in the boreal forest, and past trips to Fort McMurray often reminded me …
The first time someone told me I was introducing myself incorrectly was several years ago. Coworkers and I spent a learning day with Elder Casey Eagle Speaker, and we didn’t get far into the morning before our first lesson. As we attempted to introduce ourselves, he interrupted us. Eventually, he said something to the effect …
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