Speaking in Tongues
Linguistic diversity finds a family home in Toronto By Robert Brodey When I first met my Lebanese-born Armenian wife, Lara, I’m ashamed to admit that I…
The Long Road of Experience: Travel and a Farewell to Schedules
I was 19 and fresh out of high school when I got a job doing menial work with the sole purpose of saving up to travel…
The Dope on Dozing Off: When a Lack of Quality Sleep Puts You In the Danger Zone
I got 99 problems, and sleep is one… On the surface, everything seems fine. Take a closer look, and my puffy eyes and sagging face tell…
Cultivation: A Mantra for Life
cultivation (ˌkʌltɪˈveɪʃən) n 1. agriculture a. the planting, tending, improving, or harvesting of crops or plants b. the preparation of ground to promote their growth 2.…
There Will Be Mud: The 2014 Sulphur Springs 50km Trail Run
“It’s time you stay home and grow up,” said an acquaintance, when I told him I was heading out of town to run a 50km trail…
3 Years of Fatherhood: Time for a Time Out
For me, the easiest part about becoming a dad has been tapping into my 8 year old self so that I can work magic with Lego, train track…
Super Downsize Me: A New Social Reality and the Re-Emergence of the Sharing Society
I don’t think it comes as much of a surprise to learn that our generation, on average, will have less material wealth than our parents’ generation…
Is One Enough? The Very Personal Only Child Debate
For the last two years, I’ve felt a strong instinct not to have a go at another child. It has been difficult, with some friends having…
Nostalgia and the Way I Thought We Were
I’m not sure if it’s just a product of my age (45 and counting), but I’m definitely not convinced we, as a society, are heading in…
The Importance of PCP: Parents with Creative Projects
The moment you become a parent, people will tell you, your life will change – forever. No argument here. I will never watch another news broadcast…
Dreams vs. Responsibilities: A Tug of War or Peace Accord?
It’s one of the great challenges to pursue our dreams but also take personal responsibility for the choices we’ve made in life. It can be a…
Happiness and the Pursuit of Bliss
Several recent studies about happiness are quite joy-affirming… A few highlights: 1. Exercise more – 7 minutes might be enough (to increase happiness and reduce depression).…
Whistler’s Meet Your Maker 82km Trail Ultra– And Why I think I Made It
First off, wow. I loved this race, and I loved having the ultra-off-road experience in such a spectacularly beautiful corner of the world. In fact, the…
Meet Your Maker – Or Live Trying
From what I understand, the DNA of a flower contains a blueprint for the potential of that plant. Whether the conditions are right for that flower…
Start Them Young: Make Physical Activity a Lifestyle not a Chore
I don’t hate cars. I really don’t. Some of my best friends have cars. I even borrow my dad’s car from time to time, when I…