metro mama

Long Overdue Update!

2011-11-23T14:47:00.003-05:00

I can’t seem to update this blog anymore, yet I just can’t quit it! I am going to try to update a little more frequently, just to keep my toes in the water.

To update you: we are all doing great. Cakes continues to be a little firecracker. She is currently obsessed with Kate Middleton. Observe her Halloween costume!

Sherwood is awesome. He’s my sweet little boy. There’s just something about a little boy—it’s indescribable. He turned two in July. Can you believe it!

McHotty is great, and as hot as ever. Work is very interesting. I’ve been working on the eBook side for about a year now, and it’s never a dull moment. A few months ago I moved to a different publishing house, with a much bigger digital team. It’s been a smooth transition, and I’m having a ball.

Next update will be much sooner, I promise!

Happy Hallowe'en!

2010-11-01T14:55:00.003-04:00

Bah! There's never any time to update this poor neglected blog. I can tell you that things are really well. Work is going VERY well. And I always have time to post a couple of cute Hallowe'en photos....

One

2010-08-08T13:24:00.003-04:00

Sherwood turned one on July 29. How did this happen so quickly?

Separation Anxiety

2010-07-05T15:52:00.000-04:00

Wow, over a month since I’ve posted here. I’m not keeping up very well. I’ve been managing to post at my book blog about once per week, and I’m contributing to a new book blog at Today’s Parent now. But poor Metro Mama blog is getting dusty.

I always come back here when I’m angsty though, and this time is no exception. The good news is that my employer is sending me on a fabulous course in Vancouver: Simon Fraser’s two-week Book Publishing Immersion program. The course has an excellent reputation, and work is covering all of my expenses, so it is very, very good news. The bad news is that I’m leaving Sunday, and I’m still in the process of weaning Sherwood. Also, he’s still sleeping in our bed. We’ve been trying to make the move to the crib, but it is not going well (I had about two hours sleep last night). McHotty will be looking after him most of the time I’m gone, but he returns to work for two days, and the grandparents will be taking over. They are not prepared to co-sleep. So the pressure’s on. Any tips for me?

I’m actually starting to feel a little sick about leaving him. Unlike his big sister, he is a real mama’s boy. Cakes never seemed to have much trouble separating, but he sticks to me like glue. He’s not going to be happy; nor am I.

Five

2010-05-27T09:54:00.003-04:00

Now With Less Whine!

2010-05-19T12:00:00.001-04:00

I don’t like to leave my whiny posts up for long without top-posting with something positive, so here it is.

There is a lot that’s good about five. Cakes is over the moon about her birthday. Birthdays are everything to 5-year-old girls, aren’t they! She has been planning her party for months: the guest list, the décor, the food, all of it. Her excitement’s contagious.

As for behavior, five is a big milestone. Cakes is a ‘spirited’ child and three and four were sometimes pretty challenging. But I see a new maturity in her now. She’s helpful, empathetic, loving and kind. She doesn’t always do what she’s told, but it helps if I explain a logical reason for doing something (I was exactly the same way) (still am, actually).

As for McHotty spending more time with her, that has been terrific for both of them. He is a magnificent father. Last night Sherwood and I joined in on story time. She didn’t want me to read to her, but requested one of McHotty’s original stories. As we listened raptly, he narrated “The Princess Pirates.” Here’s a recap: the Pirate Princesses were sailing in the sea one day when along came the Nasty Scary Pirates who fired their cannon at them. The Princess Pirates were not scared, and immediately loaded up their cannon. They have better aim, and a better ship, so their cannon hit the Nasty Scaries and their ship started sinking. The Princesses pulled up to the Scaries, stole all of their treasure, and gave them a lifeboat. Then they took the treasure to the island village and they all had a big party with cupcakes, fizzy water, party cheese and strawberry shortcake.

Speaking of parties, I will post some pics after Saturday’s big bash. And I will be happy and enjoy my beautiful little girl.

Not My Baby Anymore

2010-05-18T14:36:00.000-04:00

This past year has been a blur: a blur of new baby, long hours of nursing, and now breathtakingly busy days since I’ve returned to work. During this crazy haze, something important has snuck up on me, and now it’s weighing heavily: Baby Cakes is turning five tomorrow, and I’m sad.

I’m really, really sad, and I never expected it. I felt a few twinges when she turned four last year, but nothing like this. I kinda feel like I’ve lost a year with her. Our way of coping with the new addition to our family was for me to predominantly care for the baby, and McHotty took Cakes most of the time. I missed a lot of bedtime stories, and now I feel guilty.

I know there are a lot of great things about five. Life is a lot easier, we have wonderful conversations together, she is lots and lots of fun. But she will never be my baby again, and each month she needs me less and less. Since the first five years went this fast, I’m already dreading the day I will look at the calendar and realize she’s turning ten, then fifteen.

They say the days are long and the years are short, and man is that true. Tonight I’ll put a smile on my face and bake cupcakes with my girl, and read her extra stories before bed. I’ll be smiling on the outside, but inside I’m sobbing.

Metro Reco: C'mon Papa by Ryan Knighton

2010-05-11T12:43:00.003-04:00

These days everyone knows that being a parent is hard. If we don’t know it from personal experience, there are plenty of blogs and memoirs out there to tell us so. We get it. But imagine being a blind parent. In his memoir, C’mon Papa: Dispatches from a Dad in the Dark Ryan Knighton candidly explains what it’s like: challenging, frustrating, terrifying, but also joyous, just like it is for parents who see.

From the moment of conception, everything is harder for a blind parent. But you have to make it work. Knighton describes his frustration at not being able to see the ultrasound, and then the magic upon hearing his baby’s heartbeat for the first time. Even learning about being a parent is harder. He wanted to read up on parenting, but there were few audio books available. Fortunately, it turned out this wasn’t a problem. He had a friend help him by reading some parenting books for dads. After hearing some of the inane advice, Knighton was glad he couldn’t see: “I was already blind, I didn’t need to become an idiot too.”

There is so much in the book I can relate to--especially thinking back to when I had my first child--the sleep deprivation, the anxiety, and inability to relax. Like Knighton, I remember pouring a much needed Guiness at the end of the day, scarcely able to enjoy it while hovering around the baby monitor turned as high as it will go, twitching at every sound. But it’s his frank descriptions of fear that stir me the most. He describes going for a walk with infant Tess strapped to his chest, trying to anticipate a million hazards, and narrowly avoiding being hit by an inattentive SUV driver. Once Tess begins to walk there are new horrors—he describes her toddling away outside, silent in the snow. I lost my daughter briefly at Winners once. Five minutes of looking for a child feels like hours for someone who can see, let alone someone who is depending on her answering his calls. There are few things more terrifying, I think.

Along with fear, Knighton tackles another subject most of us can identify with: the minefield that is parenting with a partner. Trusting your partner and sharing responsibility is no easy task, and it is no different for Knighton and his partner Tracy. But, unlike many women I know, Tracy gives Knighton the trust and responsibility he needs to become a real hands-on father. I am in awe of both of them.

C’mon Papa is inspiring, honest, funny and irreverent without falling into the “bad parent” shtick that is so overused these days. No one is a perfect parent; we want to do the best we can. But as Knighton shows, kids are resilient and flexible, and sometimes the best thing we can do is follow their lead.

High Time

2010-05-08T19:16:00.001-04:00

Best Mother's Day present ever? A little lady at the table for tea. She did me proud today.

Not Enough Hours

2010-04-22T13:24:00.001-04:00

How did nearly three weeks go by already? That is insane. I’m still loving being back at work, except for the sad fact that there really, really aren’t enough hours in the day. The fam is doing great—they miss me, but they’re fine. Cakes is actually a lot sweeter to me than usual, and I’ve been coming home to lovely new art with my name on it, and big hugs.

I started riding my bike to work this week! What a revelation. I’m here in twenty minutes, and it’s such a great way to start the day. I’m still a big awkward—I almost ran over a jogger the other day. Plus I need some gear: I had elastic bands around my ankles the other day when I wore extra long pants. I felt really hardcore last night when I rode home in the rain. Yes, biking to work rocks, and I highly recommend it.

Sherwood is a joy, but we have to get the dude out of our bed. This week he’s been waking me at least three times each night, sometimes just to cuddle. And he’s so close to crawling, he can’t be left alone in our bed anymore. Summer is coming, and I want to be able to put him down and head to the backyard with my vino!

Speaking of outdoors, I think the garden is going to be spectacular this year. I love the Spring; it holds so much promise. I will post a pic soon.

In the meantime, here’s a recent pic of Sherwood. Isn’t he delish?

Back in the Real World

2010-04-01T22:43:00.001-04:00

We did it! We survived my first day back to work. In fact, it went really, really well. McHotty was a rock star (no surprise). I called at noon and all was well, and again at four, and things were still cool, allowing me to go for a beer with the publicists (oh, did it taste sweet). Sherwood has never taken a bottle, but McH has him drinking breastmilk out of a cup now, and he loves his solids. He was fine (but glad to see me when I walked in the door). Cakes didn’t even notice I was gone.

I loved being back. My timing was good—just in time for sales conference, where we talk about the books we’re pubbing in the fall. There’s lots to be excited about—new Romeo Dallaire, Ami McKay, Sara Gruen, Robert Wiersema, and Camilla Gibb just to name a few. Very exciting stuff. And now a long weekend to recover from it all. Next week, Yann Martel will be in town. I’ll try to get a pic of us together.

Happy Easter, everyone!

New Sheriff

2010-03-24T23:19:00.001-04:00

Would you believe I go back to work in just a week? Sherwood is 8 months on Monday, and my first day is April 1. McHotty is all set for me to pass the torch. I overheard him telling Cakes today, “there’s a new sheriff in town.” Ha.

It’s funny, he’s remarkably relaxed about these changes. He usually is pretty zen though. I’m getting anxious. I am definitely ready to go back to work, but I’m feeling a little guilt. It’s not like I’m going back to a job where I save lives or anything. It does feel a little self-indulgent to go back early when I don’t have to. But I will be a happier person, I’ll be home early every day, and I think it will be a great experience for McH. I have no reservations about his ability to take over, and do it well.

I am concerned about a few logistical issues, mostly concerning breastfeeding. I’m going to have to pump at work, and I’ll need to borrow someone’s office (there are two possibilities but both occupants usually eat at their desks). It’s going to be a pain in the ass. Also, Sherwood’s currently sleeping late, so I’ll need to wake him to nurse before I go out. But I’m sure it will all sort itself out. He’s eating solids now, so we can soon cut out breast milk during the workday. Does anyone know how long it will take until I can nurse before and after work without getting painfully engorged in between?

I will confess, I am really looking forward to a few simple pleasures: dressing up a little, walking to work, lunch at St. Lawrence market, quiet morning coffee. These little things will allow me to enjoy the time I spend at home a lot more. And get this—I’ve promised my family I will spend much less time on the home computer starting next week. I’ve been pretty bad at setting boundaries during my mat leave, and I plan to do better once I’m on the computer all day at work. Of course, I will take a few minutes for occasional updates here. But please, slap me if you catch me tweeting from the bathroom in two weeks, ‘kay?

Spotlighted!

2010-03-11T22:01:00.000-05:00

Check it out—I’m on the Torontoist!

Thanks to Erin Balser for the interview.

Sunny Days

2010-03-08T22:25:00.001-05:00

Isn't life better once the temp rises above ten degrees?

Happy to Report

2010-02-28T20:43:00.001-05:00

Cakes brought home her first report card on Friday. I opened it as soon as we got through the door, with both anticipation and trepidation. I don’t know why the trepidation, because (no surprise) it’s all good. Some of it makes me laugh, like “Cakes prefers undirected activities to directed ones,” but it is all very positive and reassuring. It’s crazy, just when I think I can’t get more proud of her, I do. Just like that, she’s gone from a baby to a bright, creative, sociable, kind, vibrant little person, and I’m in awe of her.

I read every word of her report card out loud to her, and it’s awesome to see how proud she is of herself. Her dad was on shift Friday; he got home Saturday morning, and as soon as he walked in the door she was waving it at him for him to read. You’ve never seen a prouder papa.

Speaking of pride, aren’t you proud of our Olympians? Cakes and I watched the game tonight, and man that was something special. Though she didn’t quite get why someone had to win. “I want them to both win,” she declares. What a gal.

A List in Lieu of Something Thoughtful

2010-02-13T22:53:00.001-05:00

Wow, I find myself with a glass of wine and a precious free hour and I don’t know what to do. I’m not up to writing a book review tonight, and I desperately need to write something here, but I don’t really have anything I’m itching to spill. I do have a few small things though, that don’t warrant their own posts:

1. Wasn’t it fun watching the opening ceremonies last night with Twitter? How did we watch these marathon television events before we could snipe away during the boring bits. I may have to watch the Oscars this year too.

2. Seriously though, there weren’t that many boring bits. I thought it was pretty well done. My highlight, for sure, was kd lang singing Hallelujah. I turned off Twitter and sat back and enjoyed.

3. Weren’t you dying when the fourth phallus wouldn’t rise?

4. Is anyone else watching Survivor Heroes vs. Villains? I am for the first time in five years. I can’t resist Boston Rob! Love him. Also glad to see Tom, Stephanie and Colby back. Who is your money on?

5. I go back to work in six weeks, and I need to update my wardrobe. What are your essentials? Where are your favourite places to shop? What is the must have for spring?

6. What can I do with my almost five-year-old girl that I will enjoy too? With the baby who never stops nursing, I haven’t been spending enough time with Cakes, and I need to remedy that.

7. For those who co-slept, when did you kick the baby out of your bed? Any tips for me? I’m starting to get a little weary of waking up with four inches of space.

8. I just signed up for zip.ca. What movies or shows should I put on my list?

Reading Frenzy

2010-02-01T09:44:00.000-05:00

Further to the post below, another reason I’m loving nursing: I have the perfect excuse to read for hours each day. I read a total of fourteen books in January! I’ve also been managing to blog pretty regularly over at Read, Play, Blog, so there are some new book recommendations over there is you’re so inclined. I’m also keeping a list on the sidebar over there of everything I read.

Before my nightstand pile gets low--do you have any recommendations for me?

Breast Is Best (For Me)

2010-01-25T22:01:00.004-05:00

Update: I have just realized there is some new breastfeeding controversy going on. Don't know the details (and don't care to) but honestly, I didn't time this post to capitalize on it!

Sherwood will be six months on the 29th. Isn’t that crazy? The dude is twenty pounds (!), with fat thighs that you have to squeeze, and cheeks like apples that I chomp on while he pulls my hair and giggles. He likes to sit with us while we eat dinner. His jaw hangs open and he drools, and it’s hard to hold him on your lap while you eat anymore as he swipes at your fork and tries to yank your placemat off the table.

The boy is ready for solids. I’ve purchased cereal, new dishes, cutlery, bibs and all the accoutrements I can justify. I have no reason not to start, but I keep putting it off, even though he is starting to nurse every two hours again. The thing is, I love nursing him. Each week he feeds a little faster and I don’t want to give up any of this precious time.

I’m amazed I’ve reached this point. Breastfeeding was hell at first; I didn’t think it would ever be easy, let alone pleasurable. But it is. I can feel the endorphins flowing when he suckles. We’re relaxed, and it is such an intimate, sensual feeling—I’m not a good enough writer to do it justice.

I had such a different experience with Cakes. She never nursed. At six months, we had her going to her own bed at 7 pm sharp. She never slept with us. Sherwood wrangled his way into our bed months ago, and I just can’t kick him out. He wakes up once during the night, but there is nothing easier than nursing him, half asleep, then curling up around him again. And it makes my day to start it by waking to a little pat on the cheek from a chubby hand, and a beautiful, beaming smile from my amazing boy.

A few months ago I was bemoaning the fact that he wouldn’t take a bottle, and I couldn’t get away from him for very long at a time. Now I don’t want to let him go.

If you’re coming here because you googled something like “breastfeeding problems” or “breastfeeding is hard” (as I did six months ago) you’re not alone. It’s incredibly hard at first, but it really, really is worth it. Stick with it, not because of pressure to breastfeed, but for selfish reasons. Did I mention I'm eating cake every day and still losing weight?

Childcare Dilemma Solved!

2010-01-21T09:38:00.000-05:00

Sherwood will be six months on the 29th. Can you believe it? (There is a big post on him coming soon. He is all kinds of awesome). I’m still planning to go back to work on April 1, and McHotty will stay home for three months. We’re going to juggle vacation time to look after the kids in July and August.

I know it’s a long time before I need to worry about childcare, but I’m one of those people who plans things ridiculously far in advance. I had looked into daycare for two kids and I just about died—it would pretty much eat up my entire take-home pay. So I’m overjoyed that we’ve found the ideal solution. I’ve gotten to know my neighbour who lives two doors away. She has a girl who is less than a year younger than Cakes, and a baby girl who is just three months older than Sherwood. She mentioned she was thinking of doing a home daycare, but wasn’t sure if she wanted that much work. We only need someone about 10 days per month. How perfect is that!

I’m so thrilled to have this settled, and what an ideal situation. I really like my neighbour, each child will have a playmate, and I won’t be working for nothing. Plus, the morning drop off will be a hell of a lot easier (the two girls will both be in half-day kindergarten).

*Huge sigh of relief*

Hope

2010-01-17T16:00:00.005-05:00

It’s been an emotional week around here. Like everyone else, we’re deeply saddened by what’s happening in Haiti. My husband's been on a bit of a rollercoaster ride. He belongs to an emergency team that is specially trained to rescue people in an urban environment. He’s spent many weekends training for the team, and wants nothing more than to put his skills to good use. Last Thursday they were put on standby to go to Haiti. It was pretty scary, but he was so eager to go, and I was so proud. After a day or so pacing around the house and jumping each time the phone rang, he learned they would not be going after all. The airport is jammed and the U.N. or the U.S. (whoever is running the show) is prioritizing who can come. This team does not come with their own security, and it seems this is a factor. Whatever the reasons, it's a terrible shame, and it was quite the blow.

Coincidentally, I had prearranged plans to see Dr. James Orbinski speak at the Heliconian Club last week. Dr. Orbinski is the author of An Imperfect Offering (a book everyone should read) and he was the International President of Médecins sans Frontières in 1999 when it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was in charge of the MSF mission during the Rwandan genocide. He has witnessed the most horrendous crimes against humanity. He’s literally seen streets running with human blood. Yet, what is so incredible and inspiring is that he remains hopeful. He has seen the worst, but he’s also seen people do the most extraordinary things. He’s seen a father carry a son (the sole survivor of his murdered family, the rest cut down with machetes) hundreds of kilometres on his back, only to lose him a few days later (despite his loss the father waited to thank the doctor for his help). He has many, many stories like this one. He’s witnessed courage, dignity, compassion and generosity under incomprehensible conditions. What also keeps him hopeful, he explains, is that we have the means to make a choice how we live our lives. We can do what we believe to be just.

Dr. Orbinski finished his talk by explaining hope versus optimism. Optimism is the belief that things will turn out right based on evidence. Hope is based on certainty that a given action is right, regardless of how it turns out. If you engage with the world in a hopeful manner, over and over, you contribute to creating the conditions for optimism.

How can you help? Give. Due to the extraordinary generosity of Canadians, MSF’s website has been overwhelmed. But you can click here to access their donation portal directly. Please consider giving to this amazing organization that is doing such brave, hopeful work in Haiti right now.

New Decade, New Blog

2010-01-06T23:08:00.003-05:00

When I decide to do something, I don’t waste time. The new blog is up! It’s called Read, Play, Blog and you can find it here. I’ve copied over the last few book posts, and there’s a new review of our current book club pick, Annabel Lyon’s marvellous The Golden Mean.

Speaking of our book club, there is an online component to the club and anyone is welcome to join in our discussions. You can find us here. It’s shits and giggles! If you're on Twitter, we try to tag book club tweets with #tdbbc.

I still plan to keep this blog along with the new one. The new space is more professional, but this place is where I can curse and ask you for advice. And by the way, thanks for all of your support and advice over the past few years. It has helped me so very much.

One last thing….sorry if old posts are popping up in your readers. I’m fixing some broken links. Will be done tonight.

Shameless Self Promotion

2010-01-02T23:18:00.003-05:00

I’m quoted on two national sites this week! First, the inimitable Julie Wilson spoke with me about my wonderful book club over at CBC Books. See it here.

Second, the National Post has an excellent piece on the best books and the biggest publishing stories of the decade (I’m quoted at the end). Check it out here.

Sweet, no?

In other news, I’ve been giving my online identity a lot of thought. I’ve been trying to avoid having more than one blog, but it’s just not working. I want to give myself the freedom to say what I want here, and I still want a place to talk about motherhood when I need it. But I want to do more blogging about books, and I think, for the most part, the two audiences are very different. So I’m working on a fresh new space to begin the new decade. I’ll have a link for you in the next week or so. Hope some of you will find your way there!

Decade

2009-12-31T16:02:00.003-05:00

As the aughts come to a close on my birthday, I can’t help but reflect on the last ten years. I’m kinda nervous about the coming decade, because in the last one I’ve gotten everything I want, and how do you top that?

In the year 2000 I decided to go back to school. I did my undergrad, then my masters, then I finally decided what I wanted to do with my life: work in Publishing. And then I was lucky to actually get a job! I moved into a home in a neighbourhood I love, just before prices went out of reach; I have wonderful friends and neighbours, and most importantly, I have these folks:

So, tonight I am making just one resolution: to be grateful every day.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Best Books of the Aughts

2009-12-22T23:18:00.014-05:00

2010. Wow. One resolution I really must keep this year is to keep a reading journal. I seriously read over a hundred books last year, but I mislaid my journal before the end of January. Actually, I never even wrote in the damn journal, but had stuffed in it a napkin on which I’d scrawled a few notes about the books I read on our vacation.

So I can’t do a braggy post where I list all of the books I read last year. But I can do a list of my favourite books of the past decade. I actually put one together weeks ago to submit to the National Post. It came together pretty quickly, and I tried to keep the agonizing to a minimum. I’m sure I’m forgetting something brilliant, but oh well. Here are my five favourite books of the aughts:

1. Runaway by Alice Munro
2. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
3. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
4. Three Day Road by Joseph Boyden
5. Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann

Well, what d'ya think? What would you add to my list?

The Fourth Annual Neighbourhood Crawl!

2009-12-19T12:43:00.011-05:00

No Christmas would be complete without some pics from our annual holiday crawl. (And for the record, yes I walked home this year).

See previous crawls here and here.

My New Favourite Blog

2009-12-04T23:21:00.004-05:00

I gave you my picks for holiday book buying, but if you want more do I have the website for you! The brilliant Julie Wilson (aka Book Madam aka the gossip girl of the book world) and Sean Cranbury (Books on the Radio) have teamed up to create The Advent Book Blog: Great Books Recommended by Great People. For the month of December they’re posting short recommendations from people who love books: authors, publishing professionals, bloggers and booksellers.

From Julie and Sean:

We’ve asked our participants to respond to the following imaginary scenario: You’re working in your favorite bookstore and a customer walks into the store and tells you that he/she needs a good book. A gift for a curious, open-minded and adventurous reader. The customer is someone that you’ve helped many times before and they trust your taste implicitly, but they’re in a hurry. In 25 words or less (or more, depending on your sense of restraint) what book do you recommend? What book, regardless of genre, format, relative bestsellerness, colour or shape, gets your unequivocal stamp of awesomeness?

The response has been overwhelming, and there are already many wonderful reading suggestions (and much more to come). My wish list is getting longer every day!

Follow Advent Books on Twitter.

Metro's Holiday Gift Guide

2009-11-26T22:27:00.016-05:00

It’s that time again! Time for me to try to convince you to give books this Christmas. Between my job and long hours nursing of late, I’ve read a shitload of books this year. These are my recent favourites, the books I wholeheartedly recommend. So save a stressful trip to the mall and head online (or better yet, to your local independent book store. For TO folks, if you haven’t been to the new McNally Robinson at Don Mills, it’s the perfect time!)

Fiction

Homer and Langley by E.L. Doctorow

I adored this book. Homer and Langley is an imagining of the lives of New York’s famous Collyer brothers, compulsive hoarders whose bodies were discovered buried under 130 tons of rubbish in their Fifth Avenue mansion. It’s fascinating and quirky.

Labor Day by Joyce Maynard

Thirteen-year-old Henry is a loner who lives with his permanently sad, agoraphobic mother Adele. During pre-labour day weekend grocery shopping, Henry meets Frank, injured and on the run after escaping from prison. Adele and Henry take Frank home, and as the long weekend unfolds, the trio’s lives are irrevocably changed. This is a sweet, suspenseful, satisfying, pitch-perfect read. Read an interview with Joyce Maynard at Savvy Reader here. Browse inside the book here.

Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving

I just love Irving, and this didn’t disappoint. I don’t mind the reoccurrence of bears, missing digits, absent mothers, etc. With every John Irving book you get a great story, wonderful characters, and perfect setting. (See my event recap here).

February by Lisa Moore (see my review here).

Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann (read my review here).

You can find more of my favourite 2009 fiction here.

Non-fiction and Reference

Rowed Trip by Colin Angus and Julie Angus

I discovered Colin and Julie Angus shortly after Sherwood was born. Stuck in my chair nursing for hours on end, I travelled vicariously from Scotland to Syria by bicycle and rowboat! I loved it so much, I immediately reserved their entire backlist from the library and devoured them too (and I developed a big crush on the intrepid pair). Check out their website here.

When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris

If you’ve read David Sedaris before, I don’t need to sell this to you. If you haven’t, what the hell are you waiting for!

Six Months in Sudan by James Maskalyk

See this post.

1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up

I love the 1001 books, and this is not one to miss! A lovely gift.

Earth to Table by Jeff Crump and Bettina Schormann

This is a beautiful book, with a timely message. A fabulous gift for the chef of the house (or the folks like me who are useless in the kitchen but covet gorgeous cookbooks).

For the Babes

Getting There by Marla Stewart Conrad

Mom and Me by Marla Stewart Conrad

These are beautiful, beautiful picture books. And there will be more in the series!

For Toddlers/Preschoolers

Maisy Goes to the Library by Lucy Cousins

Candlewick is my favourite children’s publisher and I love the Maisy series. This one is now in paperback.

For Kindergarteners

Creature ABC by Andrew Zuckerman

Cakes is all about the ABC's since she started school, and these illustrations are stunning. There is also a fabulous Creature floor puzzle. It’s nice and big, and great value (there are two double-sided puzzles). Cakes loves this.

There you go. This should get you started. And if you have anyone on your list you’re having trouble shopping for, feel free to drop me a line! Tell me what they like, and I’ll try and come up with more recommendations.

Happy shopping!

Mostly Good

2009-11-11T22:40:00.002-05:00

Damn, another 10 days without updating this blog. It’s a losing battle.

There’s been a little bit of good and bad ‘round here, but the good side is coming out ahead. It was bad when Cakes had a high fever that wouldn’t budge for forty-eight hours, while McHotty was in Buffalo on an exercise. It was good that my mom was here to help nurse her. Cakes was sweet as pie, and very conscientiously used her hand sanitizer so the rest of us haven’t caught anything. She’s almost 100 percent now.

Sherwood is beyond good, he’s fracking amazing. But we’re just not nailing down a bed time yet--it can be anywhere between 9 and 12, and you can bet when I want to be somewhere it’s on the late side. Like last night when I was dying to at least make an appearance at the Giller Light, the big event for we publishing folk (and one of our books won too, Linden MacIntyre’s The Bishop’s Man--good!) Bad that I’m missing book club tonight, and I hate missing book club.

But, I did get some very, very good news the other day. My position is being moved to a different department and I will be based out of our downtown office instead of our Mississauga office! Come April there will be relaxing walks to work, lunches at the St. Lawrence Market, and hopefully a few more champagne receptions. I'll be back just in time for the new Yann Martel. I’m going to buy a cute bicycle with a basket. I couldn’t be more pleased.

So, yes, it's mostly good.

Trick or Treat!

2009-11-01T21:31:00.003-05:00

Off with her head!

A little case of the swine flu...

Happy Hallowe'en everyone!

Last Night With John Irving

2009-10-26T22:37:00.006-04:00

I was fourth in line to see one of my favourite writers, John Irving, last night at the IFOA. It was a wonderful event, so I’ll give you a fairly detailed recap. And video should be available soon--I’ll post a link once I have it.

Irving begins by talking a little about his writing process (he’s written every one of his novels backwards--he can only start writing once he has the final sentence) before reading from his new book, Last Night in Twisted River (I’m expecting my copy in the mail any day, and I can’t wait!) After the brief reading, in conversation with Seamus O’Regan Irving discusses the self-referential elements of the book, and the ubiquitous questions about autobiographical content. He explains that he doesn’t write about events from his life, but rather the things he fears the most, and these fears repeat themselves (severed limbs anyone? For more recurring themes, check out the handy chart at Wikipedia.) In the case of his newest protagonist, Danny, all of his worst fears come true. Like several of his previous books, the protagonist is a writer. Like Irving, Danny was mentored by Kurt Vonnegut, and everything Vonnegut says in the novel is a direct quote! For example, on writing, Danny’s told by Vonnegut, “if you think you’re capable of living without writing, do not write.” Irving agrees; he says being a writer “is not a career choice…it’s a terribly stupid career choice, a compulsion, like an eating disorder.” I’m glad he suffers from this disorder.

A master storyteller, Irving goes on to amuse us with anecdotes. He tells us about meeting Charleton Heston at a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood (during the release of the film adaptation of The Cider House Rules). Unable to reconcile the gun-toting, right-wing Republican with an abortion rights activist, no one at the event would speak to him. Not Irving: “c’mon, it’s Moses!” He sat himself down and they chatted guns (Heston had many more guns than Irving). His point is, you just can’t categorize people.

Next, Irving takes questions from the audience. A high-school teacher asks how he feels about his books being taught. He responds that he’s grateful his novels are being introduced to kids in school, but feels bad for the kid who hates him, because he’s been that kid. Faulkner was forced on him when he was too young, and he still can’t read Faulkner (by the way, his strongest influences are Hardy, Melville and Dickens). An audience member asks when his children first read his books (Irving has three sons). He tells us his eldest read The World According to Garp when he was just twelve(!) Irving was nervous about it, but “didn’t want to blow his liberal reputation.” His son was moved and affected, but not disturbed, and recognized immediately that the book was about his father’s fears.

I could go on and on, but I can’t do this maestro justice, so come back and check out the video. And of course, read the new book!

Any other big John Irving fans reading? What is your favourite book?

It Takes a Village

2009-10-04T14:03:00.002-04:00

I remember how lonely I was when I had Cakes four years ago. I didn’t know many other parents, and didn’t have many friends in the city (we’d recently moved). I sure didn’t know any neighbours. I remember going to drop-ins, desperate for conversation, making forced, boring, repetitive small talk with women I had nothing in common with besides having given birth.

This time couldn’t be more different. Thanks to the blogosphere, I have my tribe of fabulous women who are just a tweet or an email away. I can even *gasp* phone them if I want to. We’ve moved to a far friendlier neighbourhood where I actually want to talk to a lot of the parents I meet at the park. We have a few fellow parent friends on our block who take Cakes for play dates with their kids. And I have the loveliest next-door neighbour. He and Cakes went for brunch last weekend. And the other night, after a very, very long solo day with both kids, Cakes spied him outside on our communal garden bench. “Alan!” she shouts out the window. “Wait there, we’re coming out after mommy goes pee!” (thanks for sharing, Cakes). When we straggle outside, me with my spit-up stained shirt and dark circled eyes, there’s a crisp, cold glass of white wine waiting for me, and he stretches out his hands to take Sherwood from my tired arms.

Good friends; good neighbours. They’re making all the difference.

The Last Woman by John Bemrose

2009-09-29T09:45:00.003-04:00

I’ve finished John Bemrose’s The Last Woman and now I have another book to complain about not being on the Giller longlist. This was my first time reading Bemrose, and now I’m dying to read The Island Walkers.

The Last Woman is set in the eighties, in Northern Ontario cottage country, bordering on a native reservation. Ann and Richard are couple who, married more than a decade, have settled into a comfortable domesticity with their young son. Ann is a painter who wrestles with her work while Richard, a lawyer, plots to launch a career in politics. Their copacetic existence starts to unravel with the reappearance of Billy, the former band leader who has been absent since he and Richard lost an arduous legal battle to claim the land of Billy’s ancestors ten years earlier. But long before that, Billy was Ann’s first love, and his re-entry into their lives opens wounds that had never healed, but festered with the passage of time. I won’t give any more away.

With brilliant characterization, searing depiction of landscape, and multi-layered themes of colonization--of an individual, of a group, of the earth--The Last Woman is a rich, textured, enormously satisfying read.

'Tis the Season to be Reading

2009-09-22T22:04:00.005-04:00

I’m so behind with my book reviews. It’s been wonderful having hours to read each day, but with no time to write I’m hopelessly behind. The other problem is that there are many great books from my house coming out now, but I read them months ago on an e-reader (and of course I didn’t write down my thoughts at the time). So in lieu of the individual posts they deserve, here’s some quick thoughts on my favourites for fall:

The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood
If you loved Oryx and Crake, you’ll love this even more. And I love how Atwood's dove into social media! Check out her website for the book here and follow her on Twitter here (she's tweeting her tour). I just managed to snag a ticket to the T.O. event tomorrow night. Recap to come!

Too Much Happiness by Alice Munro
How many times do I have to tell you to read Alice Munro? Too Much Happiness is Alice in top form (my favourite collection is still Runaway though). If you still haven't read Alice Munro, get thee to your local independent bookstore!

Great Expectations by Dede Crane and Lisa Moore
This is a wonderful collection of original essays about childbirth from twenty-four celebrated writers including (to name just a few) Lynn Coady, Lisa Moore and Joseph Boyden. It’s great reading (and a perfect gift for a new mother). You can listen to excerpts here.

8 X 10 by Michael Turner. This is an inventive, challenging book. As you may have guessed from the title, the author borrows from the visual arts to portray today’s global society. This is one I will read again.

Generation A by Douglas Coupland
A bookend to Generation X, it doesn’t disappoint. I’d also comp it to Girlfriend in a Coma. Plus, this is my favourite cover of the season. Check out a fun video with Coupland here.

Undiscovered Gyrl by Allison Burnett
Heart-rending, original coming-of-age tale chronicled in a blog. This one really stuck with me.

The Wife’s Tale by Lori Lansens
If you haven’t read Lori Lansens yet, go get Rush Home Road, or The Girls. Then read this too.

Waiting for Columbus by Thomas Trofimuk
This novel is wonderfully imaginative; a surprise treat for me. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him, but I hear the author is lovely. You can find him on Twitter here.

And what are you reading this fall. Has anyone read anything on the Giller longlist? I have the Baile and Mootoo on hold at the library. It’s an interesting list, no? Why isn't Lisa Moore on the list?

Blink and It's Gone

2009-09-20T09:20:00.004-04:00

I still don’t have time to write much of anything here. Sherwood is sleeping fabulously at night, for which I am deeply, deeply grateful. The only downside is that his only naps during the day are when I’m walking him in his stroller, or when he dozes on my chest. I can read for hours while he nurses, but I’m not talented enough to type well with one hand. Right now he’s dozing on McHotty’s chest, so I’ll steal a few minutes here.

I’m not going to complain that I don’t have time to do anything. Because I know Sherwood is my last baby I am so very, very conscious of not wishing this time away. You know, already I can barely remember Cakes’ babyhood. I didn’t make the conscious effort to treasure it as I know now that I should, and I want to do better this time. These days are indescribably precious, yet so fleeting: the warmth of him nuzzled into my neck for a snooze; the trusting, vulnerable stare as he nurses; the heart-exploding first smiles and coos. It brings me to tears to think that in five years I won’t be able to remember this exactly as it was. The best I can do is relax, try to fix the sensations in my mind, and attempt to record them permanently this time, even if it’s only hasty sketches here and lots and lots of photos.

Speaking of photos, doesn’t this one make you smile?

My Little Scholar

2009-09-11T08:02:00.001-04:00

Wow. There are about a million things to say about this, but I have about five minutes before Sherwood wakes up, and I don't want to make Cakes late for her second day of school. But that smile tells the whole story. And really, I'm smiling too.

Happy

2009-09-08T17:52:00.003-04:00

Dudes. Three things have happened this week that make life a whooole lot better:

First, I mastered the art of breastfeeding lying down. He’s not a reliable napper, so now at least we can have an afternoon rest. And I have a foolproof way to get him down at night (and can doze during that final marathon feeding).

Second, he's slept through the night a few times! I’m afraid to talk about this one too much. Don’t hate me.

Third, he finally took a bottle! I was starting to try to resign myself to having him permanently attached to my boob for six months. After several days of trying, I put the bottle away for a week. Then, feeling lucky, I tried again and by god, he did it! What an enormous relief. The first thing I did was make plans to meet a friend for drinks on a patio. Then I made a hair appointment. Freedom! Am I conveying how fucking happy I am he’s taking a bottle?

Speaking of happy, this makes me happy:

Overheard

2009-08-30T18:49:00.000-04:00

Overhead at girls’ cottage weekend:

“Please pass the giant plate of meat.”

“Seriously, my life has been a porno movie.”

“Red or white sangria?”

“I tried to do that but it hurt too much so I stopped.”

“Did you tweet that?”

“I’m not so into 69. It’s like patting your head and rubbing your tummy.”

“I hope Sandra ‘forgot’ her pants again!”

“Spanking? Oh, it’s wonderful!”

I have a lot more, but I’m afraid of what whack jobs the google will bring.

Ladies, I love you, and miss you aleady. Give me a memento: add your favourites quotes in the comments!

Smile

2009-08-26T16:55:00.001-04:00

This makes me happy.

Better Now

2009-08-19T14:18:00.000-04:00

Sherwood is 3 weeks! I can’t believe it. We’re starting to get a little bit back to normal now. Because my physical recovery went so well I was on a high for the first week or so. But when that wore off, and the hormones (and sleep deprivation) kicked in, I was a bit of an emotional mess for a few days. I’d forgotten about the baby blues, but they seem to be inevitable.

The nursing is going a lot better, and I successfully nursed him in public for the first time yesterday. He’s having a crazy growth spurt right now—he’s nursed for the entire evening for the last several days. I’m serious. We’re talking about 6 pm to 10 or 11 pm each night. But he’s only getting up once or twice during the night, so I won’t complain.

Something else I find hard about nursing is the fact that it’s all on me. I hate the fact that I can’t even go to a movie, or out for a drink (do you know how badly I want to go for a drink on a patio before the summer is over?) For the past few days we’ve been trying to get him to take a bottle of pumped milk. I’ve left the room, we’ve tried when he’s hungry, middle of feeding, end of feeding, while rocking. We’ve tried several different nipples. He’s not interested. Any other suggestions? When do you think is the optimal time to introduce the bottle? My midwife says it’s OK to start now, but I’m curious to know when other have had success.

The good thing is that I can now nurse and read at the same time! I’ve read about 4 books in the past week—I’ll post on them as soon as I can. I can also tweet on my iTouch. I fuck up a lot though, and do random tweets that make no sense, so please disregard those. I can retweet with one touch, so I’m doing lots of those. I still type terrible slow on the iTouch, so if my replies seem terse, please forgive me.

A few people have asked about Cakes. She’s doing well, but I’m feeling terribly guilty about not spending much time with her. I’ll write more about her soon. I’ll post a pic of the two of them once I get a good one. Every one I’ve taken so far has someone with their eyes closed!

That’s all for now. I still need to nap, shower, eat and answer email before the little man wakes.

Labour of Love

2009-08-07T10:33:00.002-04:00

Update: Thanks so much for your supportive comments; they really helped a lot. I'm so thankful I've kept up this blog now that I need it the most.

We're doing much better again since I posted this. He's back to eating every 2-3 hours, and the engorgment is better. I've learned that I really need to be rested and relaxed, and sit in the right chair. Cakes is away again until tomorrow night, and it's quieter around here. My iTouch is saving my sanity--now that some of the nursing sessions are marathon, I'm getting good at scrolling through tweets and blogs. Once I can nurse and hold a book at the same time, we'll be all set!

My initial jubilation is wearing a little thin. Though we’re doing infinitely better than last time, I’m amazed at just how fucking hard breastfeeding is. Day 1 was heartbreaking, waiting for milk to come in. Day 2 and 3 were horrible, with ridiculous engorgement (the poor boy was terrified at the sight of two torpedoes staring him in the face. Day 4 and 5 (when I posted below) were euphoric, with the two of us finally hitting our stride. Then, day 6 the little dude ATE ALL DAY. Seriously, out of 24 hours, I think he nursed about 20. I was trembling with exhaustion.

The last couple days have been really frustrating. After his gorge fest, he spent most of the next day sleeping, just rising for short little snacks, leaving me engorged again (I had to get out the breast pump). While he was latching on right away, now he’s fighting and squirming at each feed before he finally settles down. He grabs handfuls of my breast with his little claws, and kicks and screams. A 4 AM feeding took an hour and a half, with him only nursing for about 20 minutes of that time. It seriously makes me want to stab myself in the eye. I’ve tried pumping a few minutes before the feed, to make sure the milk is flowing. I’ve tried pumping for 10 minutes before the feed in case the flow is coming too fast. I’m really getting tired.

So, my friends, I need your comforting words. Tell me it was hard for you too, and it gets easier (when?) Remind me how rewarding breastfeeding can be. Any advice?

The Story

2009-08-02T21:40:00.003-04:00

Update: Day 6 and we're already back to birth weight! I'm thrilled.

We're still doing great--I’m pinching myself. After our rough first months with Cakes, I’ve always felt cheated on the early motherhood experience, particularly not being able to nurse. Sherwood and I had a couple of difficult nights (first waiting for milk to come in, then battling terrible engorgement) but now nursing is going really well. I’m still awkward as hell, but it gets better each day and I’m thrilled with the connection I feel to my son.

Now, to the promised birth story:

1030 Finish watching two episodes of Nurse Jackie (so good!) and contractions start.
1130 Contractions 15 minutes apart. Been down this path the week before, so resist urge to get overly excited, and try to sleep (has anyone actually been able to sleep in early labour?)
1200 Give up on trying to sleep and goof off on Facebook and Twitter in bed. Try to resist urge to tweet about contractions in case it’s another false alarm.
0200 For fucks sakes, contractions still 15 minutes apart.
0330 Still 15 minutes dammit, but give in and tweet. Call McHotty at the hall and ask him to come home.
0400 Get in the Jacuzzi. Within minutes contractions 12 minutes apart. Then 10. Then 6.
0500 Call midwife. Contractions 6 minutes apart, but only a minute long and I can talk through them. Decide to wait.
0515 Ow, ow, ow, ow.
0600 Howling. McHotty calls midwife. Says we’ll be at the hospital in 15 minutes, meet us there.
0620 Takes me 20 minutes to get down all the stairs to the car. Hazard lights blinking, race to the hospital passing cars, running lights.
0630 Arrive at hospital entrance and stagger into lobber while McHotty parks. Start wailing in lobby, and coffee lady gets me into wheelchair. McHotty finds me and starts sprinting.
0635 Go up wrong elevator and get lost. Ear-splitting howls alert nurses who direct us to the right wing.
0638 Find midwife and sprint to delivery room. Push, push. OMFG. Beg for pain relief and they look at me like I’m crazy. Baby’s heart rate drops, so the doctor comes in and yells at me to push properly.
0650 Get into some kind of crazy determination zone and push for all I am worth. Everything falls away, pain disappears, and out he comes.

Under the wonderful ministrations of my midwives (I really can’t speak highly enough about them) I was feeling good by 10 am and they sent us home. Wild, no? After spending so many days in the hospital when Cakes was born, it is so lovely to recover at home this time. Sherwood and I are set up on our third floor with our own bathroom and deck. McHotty is keeping me set up with great food and lots of TLC. The midwives have been here almost every day. It really, really couldn’t be better. Here’s hoping we stay the course.

He's Here!

2009-07-31T15:19:00.002-04:00

For the three people who don’t already know this via Facebook or Twitter….Sherwood arrived July 29 at 0650, weighing 7 pounds, 3 ounces. The story is somewhat dramatic (it involves a race through the streets of TO) but much happier than last time. I’ll write about it in a few days.

We are really doing great. I have so much more confidence this time, I’m healthy, and I can’t tell you how fantastic our midwives are. It makes all the difference. McHotty is a rock star (as always) and I am so blessed with such lovely, thoughtful, generous friends (I’m too tired to link, but you know who you are). I love you guys.

More to come soon! Now, must sleep.

Just What I Needed

2009-07-25T19:37:00.001-04:00

I’m now 40 weeks +1 day, and spent today rather pissy and short-tempered, fervently wishing that instead of lumbering slowly about the house I was donning a sexy outfit and high heels and heading out dancing and drinking (god, I can’t wait to do that). Cakes is often quite perceptive, and she was unusually loving and obedient today. The icing on the cake was when I put her to bed a few minutes ago. I told her I loved her, and instead of her usual obligatory, hasty “love you mom” she stopped what she was doing, looked me in the eye and said, “I love you more than all the cookies in the whole world.” Sigh.

The Waiting Game

2009-07-20T13:18:00.002-04:00

When I had Cakes, I finished work on a Friday, three weeks before my due date, with plans to relax and enjoy those last childfree days. Monday morning I was sent straight from my Dr. appointment to the hospital to be induced (a hellish process that ended up taking days). I felt really cheated.

This time, I finished work three weeks before my due date, hoping for a week to relax (never dreaming I would go to term). Now, mere days from 40 weeks I’m starting to lose my mind! I've spent time with Cakes. I’ve gone for a pedicure, saw the new Harry Potter (it was pretty good, but I wanted to see more of the women), had a dinner party, gone for lunch, brunch, cappuccino, and read about 10 books (seriously!) I know I shouldn’t complain, and I am grateful. This pregnancy couldn’t be more different than the last: I weigh 20 pounds less, I’m wearing the same sized shoes and I’m sleeping OK. But now I just want to get on with things. I hate not knowing when things are going to happen. I’m using up maternity leave time. I want to get used to the baby before girls weekend in August! This holding pattern is making me a little crazy (and bitchy).

So, I’m going for long walks. We’re having Indian tonight. I’m even thinking about resorting to having sex. Did any of this stuff work for any of you? Did anyone else go overdue with their second or third child? I’m seeing my midwife tomorrow, and she’ll offer a stretch and sweep. Has anyone done this? Did it work? I know, I’m an asshole and I need to relax and stop complaining, but I can’t!

Nonfiction Feast

2009-07-10T14:40:00.008-04:00

Now that I’m on mat leave, and reading up a storm before baby comes, I’m trying to renew my vow to read more nonfiction. That’s not to say I don’t think reading fiction is very, very valuable: I think we learn a lot from reading fiction, and it makes us more empathetic people. In fact, there was a recent study (can’t find it to link to right now) suggesting that folks who read a lot of fiction have better social skills. But I do feel that I need to be more knowledgeable about what’s happening in the world. McHotty puts me to shame in this department: he reads the Economist and Macleans cover to cover each week, as well as browsing the newspaper online daily. I do try, but I always get distracted by the latest novel.

I have read three excellent nonfiction books recently. This week I devoured Dexter Filkins’ The Forever War. I bought this book for McHotty, but being a fan of fictional war stories (The Wars and Three Day Road are two of my favourites) I thought I should give this a try. Filkins is a foreign correspondent for the New York Times, and the book bears witness the rise of the Taliban in the 1990s, the aftermath of the attack on New York on September 11th, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Eloquent and fierce, I couldn’t tear my eyes away.

Another book McHotty raved about, and I found fascinating too is Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers. This book has been on the bestseller list forever, and now I know why. What is an Outlier? Someone who is extraordinarily accomplished. We usually attribute success to factors like IQ and hard work, but it isn’t that simple. While a high IQ is of some importance, it’s not everything (you just need to smart enough, not the smartest). You do need to work hard (it takes about 10,000 hours of doing something to be best in your field) but there’s more to it than that. Things like upbringing, cultural factors and dumb luck play a large role too. This is a book I never would have chosen on my own, and I’m glad it found its way to my pile.

Speaking of bestsellers, another great read (and not something I would usually pick up) is Jeff Rubin’s Why Your World Is About to Get a Whole Lot Smaller. Rubin’s thesis is that despite the current recession oil will never be cheap again, and the global economy is going to change. The age of globalization is coming to an end, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing—we’ll be shopping locally, revitalizing our neighbourhoods; manufacturing jobs will return to empty factories, revitalizing entire communities. I’ve seen Rubin speak in person, and he’s dynamic, smart and has very interesting things to say: all the ingredients to write a book about the economy that is accessible and readable as well as thought provoking.

Now, do you have any nonfiction recommendations for me?

February

2009-07-02T13:36:00.001-04:00

I’m on a great roll with picking up books that can hold my attention enough to read them in just a few sittings. That is the best way to read a book, I think—it really changes the experience for me if it takes me a long time to finish something. I think that’s why I love short stories so much. You usually get to experience the story the way the author intends. It’s funny, we’re much more aware of this when it comes to movies, but we don’t think about pace as much in terms of books.

My latest one-day conquest is Lisa Moore’s February, a real gem. The book centres around a true event in 1982, when the oil rig Ocean Ranger sank off the coast of Newfoundland during a Valentine's Day storm. All eighty-four men aboard died. February is the fictional story of Helen O'Mara, widow of one of the drowned men. The narrative jumps back and forth from the present-day to the days surrounding the tragedy in 1982, with occasion forays to the early days of Helen and Cal’s relationship, and the years between. Helen and Cal were very deeply in love, and the loss of that love is abrupt and paralyzing. Left to raise four children on her own, Helen is haunted by the fact that Cal’s death could have been prevented had the men received the necessary training. The structure of the book and the emphasis on time shows time does not heal all wounds; but, eventually, it allows one to move forward, incrementally, scars and all.

Trouble

2009-06-30T13:28:00.001-04:00

I’m at the point in the pregnancy where I have absolutely no energy, and am spending many an hour reading in my new zero-gravity chair (the only place I’m comfy right now!)

Kate Christensen’s Trouble was a completely engrossing way to spend a day. In Trouble, forty-something Manhattanite Josie has an epiphany when she spots her own sexy reflection across the room as she flirts with a stranger at a cocktail party: she has endured her passionless marriage long enough and must end it immediately. She sets the separation in motion the very next day. Meanwhile, she’s asked to spend some time in Mexico City with her best pal Raquel, an aging rock star who is getting slaughtered in the tabloids after sleeping with a celebrity half her age. It turns out the young actor has a pregnant girlfriend, and Raquel is being vilified as an evil cougar on the gossip blogs she obsessively checks every day. Josie’s husband doesn’t want to fight for his marriage, and her indifferent 13-year-old daughter calmly accepts the news of the separation, so Josie hops on a plane to support her pal (and party it up a little).

The women do party it up, and unsurprisingly, Josie meets a man. The book introduces many interesting themes: aging, sexual awakening, the mother-daughter relationship, female friendship, class divisions, the power of online media. Unfortunately, it falls short of its potential, and doesn’t satisfactorily explore any of these themes. Yet Troubleis still an absorbing, evocative book to pass a lazy hazy day.

Let the Great World Spin

2009-06-25T07:07:00.005-04:00

I picked up this book not knowing anything about it other than the fact that Ragdoll loved it, and she has fantastic taste. As usual, she’s right--Colum McCann’s Let the Great World Spin is a marvellous read.

The story is set in New York City in 1974. The World Trade Centre has recently been constructed, and a high wire artist dances between the towers to the astonishment of those below (a real-life feat by Phillipe Petit). The artist is the connection between the diverse characters in this intricate, interweaving narrative, including: Corrigan, an Irish monk who tenderly cares for the prostitutes in his Bronx neighbourhood; Claire, the Park Avenue judge’s wife, and member of a support group for mothers grieving sons lost in Vietnam; Tillie, the thirty-eight-year-old Grandmother who walks the streets with her daughter; Lara, an artist trying live clean after years of decadence, only to be sidelined by tragedy.

Masterfully, the stories connect (without relying too heavily on coincidence) post 9/11 in 2006. Despite their disparity, the cast has in common faith, resilience, and the appreciation of beauty, in whatever form it can be found. With McCann’s wondrous prose, his ability to capture the spirit of a city and his accomplished characterizations of its eclectic inhabitants, I would comp Let the Great World Spin to In the Skin of a Lion. Definitely one of my favourite books of the year, McCann has spun a great yarn.

Happy Father's Day, McHotty

2009-06-20T19:12:00.011-04:00

Three years ago I wrote a tribute to McHotty. I talked about what a wonderful father he is: how loving, patient, hardworking, and kind. Oh, and hot. After three years (which haven’t always been easy) nothing has changed (with the exception of some grey hairs). McHotty, you are the best husband and father two lucky ladies could have. This boy that’s coming in a few weeks is a lucky boy indeed.

Happy Father’s Day, honey. We love you. Julie and Cakes.

The Milky-Smelling Fog

2009-06-17T11:34:00.003-04:00

It’s all so surreal, but I’m starting maternity leave in two weeks! I’m really having a hard time letting go this time. I feel left out. Right now we’re having the initial planning meetings for the Spring 2010 lists and I don’t have to go. I’m not invited to a meeting tomorrow with two authors I really wanted to meet, because I won’t be here when their book is published. I’m feeling rather forlorn.

As I prepare to let go of work for nine months (McHotty is still planning to take the last three) I’m trying to find something to fill the gap. Yes, I know a newborn is a lot of work, but they do sleep a lot. I’m terrified of falling into (to quote Alice Munro) “a milky-smelling fog”. You know what I mean?

One of the things I plan to do is step up blogging again (for real this time!) I want to write a lot more, but I also want to engage with the community again (I’ve been so negligent lately). So if you’ve been reading, and I haven’t been by in a while, please let me know. I’m also looking for new blogs to read. Please comment with suggestions: I’d like to read some new parent blogs, as well as blogs on books, publishing, and social media.

I’m also spending more time on Twitter, and tend to chat more about books and publishing there. You can follow me here. I got myself an iPod touch for Mother’s Day, so I can tweet away during the long hours of breastfeeding. Did I tell you how much I love my iPod Touch? I don’t have the words.

P.S. It just dawned on me that I missed my 3-year blogiversary in May! Time to freshen things up here, I think.

BookCampTO '09

2009-06-10T10:04:00.003-04:00

Last Saturday I gave up the warm sunny half of the weekend to attend BookCampTO, an unconference on the future of Publishing. It was worth the sacrifice, if only to be surrounded by such passionate, enthusiastic, smart people for the day. It reminds me how much people love working in this industry, and I’m proud to be part of it.

For the most part, the day truly was in the spirit of the unconference: lots of contribution from the attendees, and a free flow of information. There was just one session I attended that was blatantly self promotional, but I won’t name names. I didn’t attend much of the e-book stream, but the consensus among the smart people I chatted with between sessions is that content is content, and we need to deliver it in whatever form people want it. This is an opportunity: it’s not without challenges, but it’s not the end of the world.

A couple of highlights for me were the sessions on The Role of the Publisher, and Who are the Curators. In the curators session we had an interesting conversation about branding and Publishers. There was a difference of opinion in the room about whether or not the people who buy books care or even know who the publisher is. Should we put all of our resources into building the author’s brand, or should we be paying more attention to building our brand. How does this differ between a large publisher and a small one? The people in the room had opinions, but we’re not the general public: we’re spending a sunny summer Saturday at an event called Book Camp for chrissakes.

So my friends, I want to hear from you: do you ever base your book buying decision on the Publisher? Are you aware who publishes the books you’re reading? Do you give a shit? How do you decide which books to buy? Let me know!

This Makes Me Happy

2009-06-04T14:22:00.001-04:00

Oh, Happy Day!

2009-05-27T11:43:00.006-04:00

My beloved Alice Munro has won the 2009 Man Booker International Prize!

If you’ve been coming here for any length of time, you’ll know Alice Munro is my very favourite writer, and I couldn’t be happier she’s won this prestigious prize.

The Man Booker International Prize is worth £60,000 to the winner and is awarded once every two years to a living author for a body of work that has contributed to an achievement in fiction on the world stage. It was first awarded to Ismail Kadaré in 2005 and then to Chinua Achebe in 2007.

The prize seeks to recognize a living author who has contributed significantly to world literature and to highlight the author's continuing creativity and development on a global scale.

I’m halfway through her newest collection, Too Much Happiness, which comes out in August. It’s Alice at her best, and I’m so disappointed it’s coming during my maternity leave when I won’t be around to help promote it (but you can bet I’ll be doing what I can from home).

If you’ve never read Alice, you are missing out. I have a copy of her last collection, Alice Munro’s Best up for grabs for the first person to email metro[underscore]mama[at]hotmail[dot]com (sorry, Canadian only!).

Update: We have a winner! Congrats, Mamalooper.

Four

2009-05-19T09:44:00.009-04:00

Today you’re four. Four. How can that be? I look at you, all gangly and tall. I argue with you about which dress you’re going to wear to school today. I hear you carry on complex conversations with your new Thomas engines this morning before you come to wake us. I watch you open the door to your guests at your party yesterday, greet them with a hug, and introduce them to each other, such an accomplished hostess already. And I’m really sad. Sad how I wish the days away, and the years fly by, so trite but it’s true. But more than I’m sad, I’m proud, I’m awestruck, and I’m so in love with you. Happy birthday, my girl.

My dad spent months building this dollhouse for Cakes. It's unbelievable.

It's amazing how important friends are to a four-year-old compared to a three-year-old. I have a post coming about this.

Many thanks to kittenpie for lending me this fabulous game. The kids loved it.

Move over, Martha!

Wish I could read her mind.

A Night of Havoc

2009-05-13T13:32:00.015-04:00

Last night I had the pleasure of attending my first Chuck Palahniuk event, hosted by McNally Robinson Booksellers at the Isabel Bader Theatre. Chuck’s new book, Pygmy, went on sale last week and his devoted (I’m not using that term lightly) fans were eager to get their hands on signed copies and meet their idol in person. I arrived two hours before the start of the event, and the line was already long. As per Chuck’s request, some of the attendees arrived creatively attired as U.N. delegates (an homage to the climax of Pygmy).

When Chuck arrived, the crowd cheered, whistled and clapped. He stopped to chat with the faithful folks at the front of the line.

He signed a heck of a lot of books, and patiently posed with very happy devotees.

And then the fun really began. Over the course of the evening, Chuck entertained us with his hilarious retellings of 'fairy tales' in Pygmy speak (read one of them here); he was interrupted by a “sext” from Margaret Atwood (he assured the crowd that “boys only tease the writers they like”); and he whipped about 200 inflatable penguins at us (plus one lone naked inflatable man). Seriously. The crowd lapped it up.

In conversation, Chuck talked about the origins of Pygmy’s hilarious pidgin English (it was modeled on his own bad German as well as his older Ukranian immigrant relatives who “will never see his work, so they won’t be hurt”). He explained that writing in Pygmy’s voice actually wasn’t that difficult, and he and his friends made a game out of talking in Pygmy speak. The quotes from fascist dictators peppered throughout the book also came from a challenge to his friends (wouldn’t it be fun to be Chuck Palahniuk’s pal?).

When asked about how he started writing, Chuck told us about the writing workshop he’s attended every Thursday night for 20 years. He said that even if he never sold a piece of work, he would still be writing just for the Thursday night parties. The man likes to have fun; hence the penguins, the stories, the humour. ‘Twas a fun night indeed, and I too am now a devoted disciple of the cult of Chuck.

Want in on the fun? Sign up for Operation Havoc.

The End is Nigh

2009-05-06T13:23:00.001-04:00

Thanks for your kind words and offers of frocks. You guys always make me feel better.

Last week just got better and better. The pain I originally attributed to heartburn got quite intense by the weekend, with no relief from antacids. It was on the left-hand side of my chest, I was short of breath, and feeling generally unwell. Now, I’ve never been the hypochondriac type, but since I had Cakes I have this intense awareness of my own mortality. In my younger, wilder days, I was absolutely fearless. I did so many reckless things, I can’t even tell you, and the thought of getting hurt or dying never, ever crossed my mind. Now I think about it rather disturbingly often. And when you’re an atheist, it’s a little disconcerting to think you could kick it at any moment. So, I really do try hard to live in the moment. I tell Cakes and McHotty I love them every day. My affairs are always in order, and Cakes always has lots of underwear stocked up. Is that weird?

Anyway, my point is, Sunday I actually thought I might be having a heart attack. My Wed MD research suggested as much, and I know from my dad’s recent experience how important it is to act quickly, so I went to emerg. I feel sheepish now, but the gal at intake said she would have done the same thing. Long story short, I spent six hours on a beautiful sunny Sunday sitting in the hell on earth that is an emergency room. In my own defense, the triage nurse did think it warranted checking out. And once they ruled out a heart attack, they thought it could be a blood clot, which involved a couple more hours to wait for tests, and a trip back for an ultrasound the next day. Turns out, it’s probably just a form of pleurisy, an inflammation of the lining of the lung, probably caused from the cold I picked up last week. It goes away on its own. And I wasted the beautiful sunny Sunday I had planned to spend gardening with Cakes to find that out.

Has anyone else become unusually preoccupied with death since they became a parent? Is it just a matter of driving a little more carefully, or full on pessimism like me? Anyone?

Spent

2009-05-01T10:55:00.002-04:00

So as soon as I wrote the post about feeling great during this pregnancy, and still feeling pretty sexy, things almost immediately started going downhill. I’ve really popped in the last two weeks (I’d forgotten how this happens almost overnight). With the start of the third trimester, it’s getting harder and harder to keep the weight gain at a reasonable pace. I know it’s stupid to waste too much energy worrying about it at this point, but I haven’t forgotten how fucking hard it is to get the weight off again.

The other problem is, I have several events coming up where I’d like to look good, and it’s getting pretty hard to pull off. Plus, with this being my last pregnancy I’m loathe to go out and buy many new maternity clothes (and most of the maternity clothes suck anyway), so I’m trying to make do with what I have, or what will work after baby (I can’t wait until it’s warm enough for jersey skirts and no tights).

This week has been a doozy. It’s our Fall sales conference. I usually love conference. Editorial, marketing and sales get together, and all the lovely new books and marketing plans are presented and discussed. (This is a big year by the way; the list is incredible. I’ll do a big post on it soon.) Conference means full, long days of meetings, plus social events in the evening. Even though I only made it to one evening event this week, I’m absolutely spent. The pace of conference, and the stress of speaking in front of a crowd have given me a wicked case of heartburn. (This didn’t happen the first time, and people tell me it means the baby will be hairy--anyone else heard this?) I’ve never, ever been more exhausted. I’m also really wistful about the fact that I won’t be here for this stellar fall season, and worried about where I’ll be when I come back (I’ve been covering a mat leave, and going back to my original position will be a demotion). But there’s no other place I’d rather be.

Anyway, I promise this is the last whiney post until the baby comes (I can’t make any promises after that!) I just needed to get it out of my system.

And how are you these days?

Six Months in Sudan

2009-04-15T09:38:00.005-04:00

One of my favourite books of the season, Six Months in Sudan, finally went on sale yesterday. I've told you about this one before--it's the story of Dr. James Maskalyk's mission in Sudan with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). The book was born from the blog he wrote in his hut in Abyei, Sudan. As I've said before, it’s intimate, it’s raw and it’s terrifically written. The book club's reading this book in June, and I can't wait to hear what they think.

Do me a favour--it will just take a minute (literally)--and watch this video. Pretty please.

Learn more at James' beautiful new website, here.

I'm going to the launch at the Gladstone on Sunday at 4 pm (details here). Let me know if you'd like to join me!

Let There Be Chocolate

2009-04-09T15:46:00.003-04:00

Cakes sure likes a party. Book club was at my place last night, and there was no way she was going to bed before she got to say hi to everybody. She is absolutely in love with Sandra, who showed up with strawberries and liquid chocolate, as well as a divine box of chocolates. She only went to bed after she had stuck her entire face into a bowl of chocolate, and I had given her my word we would save her some “party cheese”. Sure enough, the kid doesn’t forget a thing. This morning she woke up and came down the stairs to find me in the kitchen. The first words out of her mouth: “did your friends eat all the chocolate?” You should have seen her beam when I replied that we had indeed saved something for her.

I’m so happy we started the book club. Next month marks my 3-year blogging anniversary (I just realized as I posted this, it's my 500th post!). The birth of my blog was also the beginning of my friendship with several of the wonderful women in the club. As we sat back last night, talking a bit about the book, a lot about everything else, people comfortably helping themselves to what they need in the kitchen, getting their own coats, I was so thankful. I feel like I’ve known them for longer than three years; I look forward to their friendship for many years to come.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend everyone! We are staying put, having the family over for dinner, keeping it simple. May the days be sunny, and the bunny bring lots of chocolate.

Mercurial

2009-04-03T10:44:00.000-04:00

Well I think I’ve finally reached what they call the “honeymoon phase” of pregnancy. I’m feeling less tired these days, my hair is shiny, my skin is actually glowing, and don’t get me started on my bosom. I’m so happy with my bosom right now (this isn’t something I’m used to saying, so please put up with it for the time being). I’m wearing lots of low-cut shirts to show it off, even at work. By the way, all of the maternity clothes are low-cut anyway. WTF? What if you don’t like to show your titties like I do?

While I’m feeling great physically, I’m much more emotionally volatile this time. I’m hell on wheels on the streetcar: don’t you dare stand in the doorway, loser. I was upset about something earlier in the week and woke up bawling at 4 am two mornings in a row. I’m testy at work, but I’m trying really, really hard not to let it show. McHotty’s bearing the brunt of my mood swings, but I’m trying really, really hard with him too. I do owe him a BJ though. He’s even added “get BJ” to his mile-long to do list. Unfortunately, I was a bitch and added “dream on” to the line below.

Anyone else find their emotions rockier the second time? Or maybe it’s just been so long I’ve forgotten.

How Sweet It Is

2009-03-22T13:38:00.007-04:00

After a long winter of hibernation, we’re finally starting to venture from the house every now and then (Cakes hates the cold as much as I do). Last Sunday, the three of us hooked up with k-girl and her lovely family for a day at Bronte Creek Park.

The kids were thrilled with the tractor ride.

We learned how maple syrup is made (Cakes was actually interested, but I just wanted to hurry up and go get pancakes and bacon already!)

The girls burnt off so much energy that Cakes passed out in the car after five minutes—the sure sign of a great day.

Well, It Sure Ain’t Erotica

2009-03-22T12:24:00.007-04:00

I couldn’t resist the marketing for Charlotte Roche’s Wetlands. I’m a big fan of both smut and literature; so with the tagline, “is it smut or literature” I was intrigued.

Wetlands is narrated by 18-year-old Helen, in hospital after a painful operation on an infected haemorrhoid. To pass the time, she reflects on her relationship with her body and her sexual history, in extremely graphic detail. Helen rejects societal preoccupation with the body’s “dirt” by eschewing hygiene, and exposing/touching/tasting/smelling all of her body’s secretions and emissions. Reacting to expectations that she repress her burgeoning sexuality, Helen has as much sex with as many partners as possible. But this isn’t just a cautionary tale against parental repression of sexuality: Helen’s family has managed to remain silent about her mother’s failed attempt to kill herself and Helen’s baby brother. The more Helen tries to convince us of her strength and invulnerability, the more tragic and disturbed she is revealed to be.

I find it hard to believe this book has been criticized as failed erotica. Like Chuck Palahniuk’s equally disturbing Snuff, just because a book is full of sex doesn’t mean the author’s trying to sexually arouse the reader. Rather, Roche’s intent is to provoke a reaction, and man, does she succeed. I’m very open-minded, and far from faint at heart, but the book really made me uncomfortable. I felt a little nauseous when I was reading, and when I finished I made a beeline for a long, hot shower. But, unlike the profound distress of the novel’s young heroine, my discomfort was short-lived. Well, relatively short-lived.

And Now For Something Light

2009-03-20T11:05:00.003-04:00

After all of my heavy reading of late, I need something light and fun this weekend. This should fit the bill, no?

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies features the original text of Jane Austen’s beloved novel with all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie action. As our story opens, a mysterious plague has fallen upon the quiet English village of Meryton and the dead are returning to life! Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet is determined to wipe out the zombie menace but she’s soon distracted by the arrival of the haughty and arrogant Mr. Darcy. What ensues is a delightful comedy of manners with plenty of civilized sparring between the two young lovers and even more violent sparring on the blood-soaked battlefield as Elizabeth wages war against hordes of flesh-eating undead. Complete with 20 illustrations in the style of C. E. Brock (the original illustrator of Pride and Prejudice) this insanely funny expanded edition will introduce Jane Austen’s classic novel to new legions of fans.

The illustrations take the cake. This will either make me laugh, or piss me off, I’m not sure which.

In other book news, purely coincidence, but I’m quoted in Richard Florida’s new edition of Who’s Your City! You can see the excerpt here.

A Taste of Spring

2009-03-18T16:11:00.008-04:00

I took the day off to attend a media preview of Canada Blooms this morning. I'm cranky in crowds at the best of times, and my bitchy pregnant self is ten times worse, so this was a great chance to see the show without any aggravation. My mom's a big gardener too, so she came along as the metro mama photographer.

If you've never been to Canada Blooms, it really is quite stunning. In just five days 500 workers transform the Metro Convention Centre into six acres of gardens. It's a not-for-profit volunteer-driven event, with this year's proceeds going to the Toronto Botanical Gardens' children's programs.

As soon as you step inside, you're greeted with lovely cool humidity and the smell of thousands of flowers. And then you see the flowers. My favourite thing is the magnificent displays of rows and rows of spring bulbs.

There are several large feature gardens, a marketplace, and displays of prize-winning arrangements.

My favourite feature garden came from Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds. They created a 3,500 square foot natural playground for kids, complete with wooden musical instruments, seating, slides, sandboxes, water features, and more. I would have loved to set Cakes loose in there. Next year.

There was another, less natural oasis at the show--the Niagara Wine Garden. If it wasn't 10:00 in the morning, and I wasn't with child, it would have been the perfect way to end the day. Hell, who am I kidding. 10:00 in the morning is as good a time as any for a refreshing glass of vino.

Canada Blooms runs until March 22. For more info, check out their website.

Is Canada Reading?

2009-03-12T10:31:00.002-04:00

Last night was book club night and it was our best turnout yet! Despite everyone not loving the book, we had a lot to say about it (well, we had a lot to say period, some of which can’t be repeated here). I’m so glad we started doing this. The time flies by so easily, it’s great to have a standing date with pals. Next month we’re dong JPod, by Douglas Coupland and I can’t wait to hear what people have to say about it!

Is anyone following Canada Reads? As you know, this year’s well-deserved winner is Lawrence Hill’s The Book of Negroes. I’m not a big historical fiction reader, but this one swept me away, and it is indeed a book everyone should read.

You can talk about the book at CBC’s book club, here. They also have an excerpt, author bio and reader’s guide.

Our book club is looking for suggestions for summer. Anyone have some fab reads to recommend?

Introducing....Sherwood!*

2009-03-04T13:08:00.002-05:00

If you’re following me on Twitter or Facebook this is already old news, but for those who aren’t...we’re having a boy!

I’m really happy about the news actually. Until recently I wanted another girl, but I’m noticing more and more just how alike Cakes and I are in temperament. McHotty is finding himself in the crossfire already, and I can only imagine what it will be like once you add hormones to the mix. I think McHotty needs another nice mellow person in the house to balance things out. Here’s hoping this child is the sweet mellow boy I envision. Are boys ever as mercurial as girls?

The downside about the news is that most boy names suck. I need your help! Please give me your favourite literary boy names. Authors or characters. I’m desperate! In the meantime, the boy in the belly shall be known as Sherwood.

The other downside is that Cakes is not pleased. She “only wants a girl” and will not be convinced otherwise. It’s a good thing she has five months to get used to the idea.

Speaking of Cakes, I can’t believe I forgot to post this after our ski trip. Isn’t she amazing!

Bustin' With Pride from julie f on Vimeo.

*If you know my last name, this is funny.

Trying to Keep My Pants On

2009-02-27T12:39:00.002-05:00

I’m sorry for yet another week without posting. I might as well stop apologizing, no? It will only get worse with the entrance of number two.

Can you believe I’m halfway through the pregnancy? I had my ultrasound a couple of days ago, and I had one of those prick techs who don’t say a damn thing. My next appointment with my midwife isn’t for a week, so I have some waiting to do. McHotty and I are pretty sure we saw a wee penis, but I can’t be sure. Will keep you posted!

I’m feeling pretty good, but have absolutely no energy. If I go out in the evening, it has to be something really fun where I can run on adrenaline (like the play last week with the gals). Otherwise, I’m done. But the nausea is finally gone, and I’m loving my food. Dying for sushi unfortunately. And don’t even get me started on my red wine. Oh, how I miss thee, red wine.

The whore-mones (as scarbie calls them) are kicking in, but I don’t have the energy to act on my urges. I’m having some crazy sex dreams, with all sorts of fellows (and ladies), including McHotty, Angelina Jolie, an author or two and the guy from The Wire.

I’m getting big, and I need to accept it and buy more maternity clothes. Yesterday I wore a sweater dress and non-maternity tights. The waistband of the tights was uncomfortable, so I rolled it down a little. I got off the streetcar at Queen to walk down to King, and halfway there the tights started falling down! I tried to keep walking and surreptitiously pull them up, to no avail. I eventually had to duck into a doorway and furtively yank them up (praying there was no one giggling behind the blinds).

Other than my waistline, I’m finding this pregnancy very much like the first. How did you find your second pregnancies compared to your first?

Perfect Proof

2009-02-22T11:05:00.003-05:00

Last night me and several bloggy lovelies went to see nomotherearth in the East Side Player’s production of David Auburn’s Proof. I had a fabulous night. The play was excellent; the cast of four were all amazing, and our pal nomo was perfect as brisk and pragmatic big sister Claire.

Proof is a rich play that looks at family relationships, aging, the thin line between madness and genius, trust and faith. Unlike the mathematical proof of the play’s title, little of life is black or white.

The play runs until March 7, so get your tickets soon! Click here for more info.

In other news, we just got home from Quebec yesterday, and I’m still catching up. Recap and pics (and video!) coming soon!

On Book Communities

2009-02-12T10:02:00.003-05:00

My book club met last night. This month’s book was the wonderful Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Guernsey is an elegant, epistolary novel set in 1946 at the end of World War II. It’s composed of a series of letters between London writer Juliet, and the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie society, born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island. It’s charming and captivating, and it was a big hit with the club.

As much as we loved the book, our conversation wasn’t exactly scholarly or focused, which is fine by me. We were sidetracked by other important topics of conversation, including blogging, breasts, online vs real-life friendship, and “wank banks” (you can thank k-girl for coining the term). I love online book communities, but they’re no replacement for the real thing.

Speaking of which, I’m trying to contribute more to GoodReads these days (I’ve abandoned Library Thing in favour of GoodReads). I finally got around to installing the widget here--if you’re looking for book recommendations, take a look. I’m really trying harder to keep all of my communities up to date, but it’s a challenge. I also do Facebook’s weRead, and Indigo Community.

While I’m very negligent in reviewing books here, I do try to rate every book I put on my e-shelves. Sometimes I agonize over this a little, especially because I’ve befriended a lot of authors in these communities. Despite this visibility, I’m a little stingy with my stars. I reserve 5 stars for only my very, very favourites of all time, like Pride and Prejudice, and Blood Meridian. There are fewer than ten books on my shelf with 5 stars. I’m even miserly with 4 stars, reserving them for perhaps my top 10 of the year. 3 stars means I like the book (I probably quite liked it) but it’s flawed in some way, and it wouldn’t be fair to the 4-star books to rate it the same. I’m a big fan of the 3.5 star, which is possible in Facebook but not in GoodReads. So, I’m always in a quandary when I’m faced with a 3.5-star title on GoodReads or Indigo. If I don’t like a book, I don’t put it on my shelf at all (and I rarely finish books I don’t like anymore). What I really need is a tool that will update all of these sites at once.

Do you belong to a book club? An online community? Which one(s)? Do you rate the books? Are you liberal or grudging with your stars?

I Hate Keeping Secrets

2009-02-09T12:45:00.001-05:00

Wow, I’m amazed how many of you read the 25 things to the news at the end! In case you didn’t (and I wouldn’t blame you) I finally ‘fessed up to being 16 weeks pregnant. Can you believe I didn’t blog about it for this long? I was actually tempted to hit the keyboard as soon as I peed on the stick, but I wanted to tell a lot of people in person. I think it’s kinda tacky to announce this kind of news so publicly without filling in close friends first; besides, I prefer real hugs over virtual ones any day!

And by saving the news, I’ve also spared you from 3 months of whining. This pregnancy is EXACTLY like the first—exhaustion and nausea for the first trimester which abruptly ended with the start of the second. This time, I turned the corner in Acapulco. How can you be exhausted when you’re lying around drinking virgin pina coladas all day? This is the other reason we left Cakes at home--I expect it’s the last solo vacation for a very long time.

To my great relief, Cakes is happy about the news. She keeps giving my belly (yes, it’s already getting big) hugs and kisses. Unfortunately, she “only wants a sister”. We’re having the ultrasound on the 25th, so we’ll have plenty of time to prepare her if we see a penis.

I’m overjoyed about this pregnancy, but I can’t tell you how much I dread giving birth. The nightmare from the first time is still so fresh, I actually feel light-headed if I think about it too hard. I’m trying to do things differently this time: I have a mid-wife instead of an OB (but I’ll deliver in the hospital); I’m going to leave work a month early. Statistically, it is unlikely for placenta acreta to strike twice, but I can’t help but worry.

I’m also nervous about leaving work. Like everyone else, the publishing industry is being hit hard, and I’m worried about my job. I’m thinking about coming back after nine months—McHotty really wants to take pat leave, and I don’t want to be out of the loop for long. But you only get this time when they’re young once—I already feel sad about Cakes starting JK in the fall.

Has anyone else returned to work early? Any regrets?

25 Things Regurgitated From Facebook

2009-02-05T15:52:00.002-05:00

Hey, I'm light on material.

1. I am just starting out on my third career and have finally found the perfect fit.

2. I sometimes wonder how successful I’d be today if I’d got it right the first time, but I try not to dwell on that.

3. I want to write a novel before I die (me and just about everyone I know).

4. I read about 100 books each year. I scored 132 on the 1001 list.

5. I was a terrible, rebellious teen, and if Cakes is even half as bad I’m in for many sleepless nights. Good thing I don’t believe in karma.

6. I also don’t believe in god, fate, miracles, ghosts, or soul-mates.

7. Though I don’t believe in soul-mates, my husband is pretty close to perfect, and I’m grateful for him every day.

8. I seduced my husband. After years of looking love in all the wrong places, I moved in to the apartment next to McHotty's in a big old house in Peterborough. Within two weeks I was having a drink in his living room. Within two years he proposed.

9. I like to party. I also love to be alone. I could use more of both these days.

10. I smoked for twelve years, until McHotty convinced me to quit (it was a deal-breaker for him). I still miss smoking every now and then.

11. I’m never happier than when I’m in the water and the sun.

12. I’m saving for a sailboat. It will be a long time.

13. I’m the first one in my immediate family with a university degree (paid for by myself over many years, one course at a time).

14. When I first started grad school I was very intimidated. Not for long.

15. When I’ve had a few drinks I’ve been known to: dance on furniture, karaoke, play air guitar, otherwise make an arse of myself in front of people.

16. I think I’m meant to be some kind of performer, but I just haven’t found my talent. That is my hope, anyway. Maybe I’m just a talentless attention-seeker.

17. The older I get, the less tolerant I am of other people. This is particularly apparent when I’m travelling--I think most of the tourists are assholes, forgetting that I too am a tourist.

18. I do not suffer fools gladly. I also can’t stand arrogance, passive aggression, rudeness, bad grammar, and people who are always late.

19. I wish I could afford to travel for at least a month each year. Some day I will.

20. I never liked kids until I had one.

21. I’m still not really interested in children, except for Cakes, my niece and nephew, and my close friends’ kids.

22. In the month after Cakes' birth I was hospitalized twice and received three blood transfusions.

23. I have never been more terrified, and it was a life-altering experience.

24. I resolved to never have another child (and it almost wasn’t an option).

25. I changed my mind—number 2 is due July 25.

It's Better in Acapulco

2009-01-31T09:34:00.010-05:00

Our vacation was just what the doctor ordered--sun, warmth, swimming, reading, food and unmentionables. Acapulco is not the most charming town, but the weather can't be beat. Our hotel was great; it was right on Condesa Beach:

The hotel had a pool that wound through the grounds like a river, and two adult pools, including my favourite, this gorgeous quiet infinity pool with a view of the ocean:

Our room had a lovely view as well:

And we watched the sun set from our balcony each night:

Acapulco is a party town. I think T-dot needs fewer hotdog carts, and more of these:

The seafood was great--we treated ourselves to a delish lobster dinner on our last night:

When I wasn't eating, I was reading like mad. I burned thorugh 10 books! I caught up on some old stuff I hadn't read yet, as well as some lighter stuff I don't usually read: Pretty Little Dirty, The Gum Thief, Buffalo Jump, Revolutionary Road, The Rapture, Atonement, Tempting Faith DiNapoli, Stunt, Muriella Pent, The Omnivore's Dilemma. I think my favourite was Pretty Little Dirty. It reminded me of my own adolescence so much it was scary.

Now I'm back to dreaming about the next holiday, but I don't think it will be anytime soon! Anyone working on any travel plans?

Back to Reality

2009-01-30T19:33:00.002-05:00

We’re home. The trip was lovely, and I’ll post about it with some pics in a day or two. But sadly, we came home to some bad news--my maternal Grandmother passed away on Sunday (yes, it was my maternal Grandfather who passed last year).

It is a relief in a way--she’s been bedridden for a very long time, and not herself for even longer. We were always very close. I lived with my Grandparents for a couple of years in my teens when my mother and I fought so much we couldn’t be under the same roof. Up until Cakes came along, we chatted on the phone for at least an hour each week. But the last few years those calls had become shorter and shorter. She didn’t have the strength to talk long, and couldn’t recall that we’d had the same conversation the previous week. I know her philosophy, and her former self-reliance; I know she’s been really, really ready to leave for a very long time. A very long time. I can only imagine how long these last two years had seemed to her. So I feel relief, for her sake and everyone else concerned, particularly my mother.

With this relief comes guilt (of course). We’d planned to visit the week before the trip and postponed because we were sick. I wish I’d taken Cakes a little more often. I’m sure this is a common reaction—as much as you did, you always think you should have done more, right?

On the bright side, Cakes is a little ray of sunshine. It ended up being a good thing she was with my mother when this happened (my mother, a former nurse, has devoted most of her energy to caring for her mother these past few years). Cakes was a very welcome distraction for her this week. I sure was glad to get home to her last night. We missed her fiercely on this trip. We were too busy to dwell during the previous two, but this time was different. The hotel was full of Mexican families, and the cute little kids gave me a pang, every time. I think next time we go away we’ll be doing Disney.

Tomorrow we’re off to Lindsay to see my mom, with dinner and flowers. Then we’re going to spend the rest of the weekend spoiling Cakes rotten, because I know my Grandmother. She wouldn’t want us to spend too much time mourning the dead; she would want us to make the most of every single minute, and I think I need a lot of minutes with my little girl right now.

Adios Amigos!

2009-01-21T19:45:00.001-05:00

McHotty and I have had enough Canadian winter. Winter can just fuck off now, please. The next best thing: we’re fucking off for a week in Acapulco. Yes, by ourselves (don’t hate me). Cakes is happily ensconced at her Grandparents, and we’re packing our bags: swimsuits, a dozen books, good to go.

Hasta luego!

The Hills Are Alive

2009-01-18T14:37:00.001-05:00

I’ve had the best intentions of blogging this week, but this is the first time I’ve been out of bed in 48 hours for longer than enough time to make a cup of tea. Despite having got the damn flu shot, I’ve managed to get the flu for the second year in a row. I came home from work at noon Friday, and have been stuck in bed cursing the gods since. But enough of that (I hate whining about being sick as much as you hate listening to it). On to something interesting.

The week started great with the first meeting of my new book club! I have been wanting to start a book club for years, but being a student for so long, never had the time. Finishing school left this lovely gap I could think of no better way to fill than by asking some of my best pals to get together once a month for an excuse to drink wine and talk a lot. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. The first meeting proved us all to have a wide and varying range of interest (and a lot to say) so I think it’s guaranteed our meetings will be very interesting to say the least.

The next night I took my mum to see the Mirvish production of The Sound of Music. This is probably my all time favourite movie, and this production did not disappoint. Maria was absolutely marvellous. She won the role on a reality show (which I wish I’d seen) and her win is most well deserved. She sung the hell out of my beloved songs, and was the perfect mix of strength and vulnerability. I wasn’t too keen on Captain Von Trapp at first (how can anyone compare to Christopher Plummer) but I warmed up when sang Edelweiss. It made me cry, and that’s my barometer. The kids were wonderful (I kept picturing someone try to direct Cakes as Gretl—good luck). The set was unbelievable, except there was a very awkward mishap when a background got stuck on the way down, and there was about 5 minutes of silence while they tried to fix it. Finally a stage-hand had to come out and make adjustments. Ouch. My only other criticism was Liesl and Rolf’s gazebo number—it’s so elegant in the movie, and in this production it was comedic and awkward. But overall, I loved the show. Has anyone else see it?

Now, where’s my tea?

Happiness Is...

2009-01-11T15:53:00.002-05:00

An Ongoing Offering

2009-01-09T11:06:00.005-05:00

This month marks the last of Mad and Jen’s wonderful Just Posts. Last week they asked us to talk about our philosophy towards charitable donations, and urged us to join them in becoming an ongoing supporter of a cause we believe in.

Until recently, I’ve been a very sporadic donator, and I jumped around a lot. When someone I know is fundraising I’m usually quick to shell out a few bucks, but I’ve never really focused on one cause in particular. McHotty and I discussed this a few times, and decided to make a more significant impact by choosing one charity and supporting it with automated monthly donations. We had no trouble agreeing on the cause: Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).

MSF was founded in 1971. They provide rapid humanitarian assistance worldwide, with independence from political, economic and religious influences. Importantly, in carrying out humanitarian assistance MSF acts a witness and speaks out about the plights of the populations in danger for whom its doctors work. In doing so, they seek to alleviate human suffering, to protect life and health, and to restore and ensure respect for human beings and their fundamental human rights.

My respect for the work of the organization has increased in the last few months after reading two books written by MSF doctors:

Dr. James Orbinski’s An Imperfect Offering is a personal and political book about humanitarianism. Orbinski reflects on twenty years of humanitarian work in troubled places such as Sudan, Afghanistan and Rwanda (he was there during the genocide) and asserts the fundamental imperative of seeing as human those whose political systems have most brutally failed. Dr. Orbinski is a past international President of MSF. You can read an excerpt of An Imperfect Offering here.

I’ve recently finished Dr. James Maskalyk’s Six Months in Sudan (from our spring list). The pub date isn’t until April, so I can’t review it yet, but I will tell you it’s one of my favourites of the season. The book began from Maskalyk’s blog that he wrote from his hut in Sudan. It’s intimate, it’s raw and it’s terrifically written. You’ll be hearing a lot more about this book from me closer to April.

Click here to donate to MSF. Please consider an automated monthly donation.

So Long, 2008!

2008-12-31T09:12:00.001-05:00

It’s my birthday today, and thankfully I’m not depressed about it like last year. I seem to have trouble with the mid-decades. 25 was awful, and 35 somewhat devastating, but 36 is a breeze.

It should be a good day. We’re still in K-town, and I’m sleeping in every day. McHotty is taking me for birthday lunch, while Cakes and her Grandmother do some “important jobs” (which I think involves a chocolate cake with my name on it). Tonight we’ll have a gourmet meal, and play Cranium by the fire. McHotty’s sisters and hubbies are here too, so it’s a nice crowd.

As for the coming year, it should be very exciting (more to come on that later). I’m not making any resolutions but these:

1. Spend quality time with family and friends.
2. Read a hell of a lot of books (I’ve already started a new book club which begins in 2 weeks!)
3. Use my time wisely.

Happy New Year, my friends. May 2009 be filled with health and happiness.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-25T11:36:00.003-05:00

Hope you're all warm and happy and having a lovely holiday season. We'll be in the land of dial-up for a week, so we're going to take some time offline. See you in the New Year!

xo

Metro, McHotty, and Cakes

And I've Survived Another Crawl

2008-12-22T10:07:00.009-05:00

The 3rd annual neighbourhood Christmas Crawl was a smashing success. As always, the food and drink was to die for, and the company was even better. Every year the party gets a few households bigger, and even better. I was too busy stuffing my face to get many good pics, but here's a few of my highlights (especially the decadent dessert table at the end).

Bring It On!

2008-12-19T10:37:00.002-05:00

Everyone on Twitter is going on about “snowmageddon”, but I say bring it on! Cakes is excited to get out on the sled. I just received a lovely, lovely email announcing the office is closing a noon. The timing couldn’t be better as tonight is the third annual raucous neighbourhood christmas crawl. (See coverage of the inaugural crawl here). We’re kicking things off at our place, then all 30 of us will traipse about to 5 other hosting homes. This is serious partying, not for the faint at heart!

So, the snow day gives me lots of extra time to help McHotty make hors d’oeuvres. This year we’re doing red pepper and gorgonzola bruschetta, and thyme and parmesan crackers (from the new Barefoot Contessa). Our featured cocktail is The Poinsettia: prosecco, cranberry and cointreau (from the new Nigella). I may even have time to squeeze in a nap!

The holidays are shaping up to be rather relaxing. McHotty works Christmas Day, so Santa’s coming to our place on the 24th. My family’s coming in the afternoon and we’ll do the big turkey dinner thing, and my folks will stay over to keep Cakes and I company on the 25th (I think I’ll do a nice prime rib or something, one of the few fancy dishes I can muster). We’ll head to k-town on the 26th for a whole week of relaxing with the in-laws. There’ll be lots of opportunities for naps, reading books, and we might even catch a few movies! The only recent movie I’ve seen is the new James Bond, so tell me internets, what should be go see? And don’t say Twilight or I just might hurl!

Have a cozy and warm snowy weekend, friends.

The Refresh

2008-12-15T15:54:00.001-05:00

I’ve gone to my share of rock concerts back in the day. Remember the hot tickets that if you wanted to snag you had to log on to ticketmaster at 12:00 sharp, and frantically hit your refresh button, and you were fucked if you were on dial-up? Well, registering Cakes for swimming with Toronto Parks and Recreation is exactly like that, only without the reward of getting stoned and drunk and rocking out to Soundgarden.

I managed to screw up her registration for the Fall, so I was determined to rock today’s Spring registration, which began at 7 A.M. this morning. I set up my Outlook reminder months in advance to pre-warn me last Friday. I had carefully prepared notes with my client #s, dates, and class code (plus five alternates). I set the alarm for 6:30 AM this morning. At 6:58 I was poised in front of the keyboard, when Cakes started crying in her room. I ran up the stairs and yelled at McHotty to get up, dashed into Cakes’ room, patted her and explained, “daddy’s coming”, and was back in front of the keyboard at 7:01. click. All available sessions are busy. Fuck. I spent the next 20 minutes hitting refresh every 10 seconds, finally snagging the last spot of my second choice.

How can registering your kid for swimming be so annoying?

I think part of the problem is our closest rec centre is one of the limited number offering free programs. This is awesome, but do the people who need them most get these spots? Probably not, unless they have high-speed internet. I’d be happy to pay, but I don’t want to travel to another location to do so. Especially since there seems to be no mechanism in place to ensure the people who live in the neighbourhood get fist dibs on the spots. I hope to hell no one is packing up the kidlets in the SUV and driving over from the Beaches (but it wouldn’t surprise me).

Anyone else getting totally stressed out by swimming classes? Who’s up for ACDC?

Sunday Morning

2008-12-14T14:26:00.007-05:00

If you get a chance, you really should take the kids to see the windows at The Bay. My pics don't even begin to do them justice.

What are your city holiday traditions?

Some Johnny Cash to Enjoy on a Friday

2008-12-12T09:47:00.002-05:00

Metro Dad posted this last year. It makes me happy, so I want to share it again.

Hope everyone is getting into the holiday spirit!

Fancy Pants

2008-12-10T13:02:00.004-05:00

McHotty and I are living with a three-foot diva. Despite the fact that I wear a dress about 3 times a month, Cakes has developed a strong preference for feminine clothing. She is refusing to wear the cool black jerseys I find at H&M in favour of frilly pink frocks.

Last week a package arrived from her grandmother, who had a recently returned from a trip to Boston with outlet mall stops on the way home. She tore into it to find two luscious velvet dresses for Christmas. Trembling with excitement, she immediately donned both dresses, ran to the full-length mirror, and pirouetted, exclaiming “I’m so fancy, I’m SO FANCY!”

She would wear a dress every day if we let her. I usually try to reason with her, but McHotty doesn’t have the strength. The other day he did daycare drop-off, and I did pick-up. I was mortified to find her in a red satin top, a purple skirt, multi-colored striped tights and about 6 blingy barrettes.

We have her out-of-season sandals on a high shelf in her room. Every now and then she makes me get them down so she can try them on and prance around the room. I won’t even tell you how excited she gets when I turn her loose in my closet.

While her fashion sense is mildly embarrassing, what really concerns me is how she talks about looking pretty. It bothers me that pretty is even remotely on her radar at age 3-and-a-half. I wonder where it comes from, then I recall myself coming the stairs, dressed to go out, asking McHotty how I look. I picture my mother coaxing Cakes to let her style her hair, then exclaiming how much nicer it looks. I think about the fuss we make of her when she’s all dressed up pretty, and it’s no wonder it’s on her mind.

How do we teach our girls that pretty doesn’t matter?

Holiday Preparations

2008-12-08T18:33:00.003-05:00

3 can be tough--but it's also pretty damn fun.

More Best Books of 2008

2008-12-05T11:11:00.007-05:00

Wow, I really am delinquent in my book reviews. Here are four more of my faves for 2008. Happy reading!

Broken by Daniel Clay

This book is a riveting tragicomedy, narrated by Skunk, an eleven-year-old girl in a coma. As Skunk lies still in the centre, the lives of those surrounding her explode: the five menacing Oswald girls and their brute of a father; poor Rick “Broken” Buckley humiliated by the Oswalds and broken by the police; Skunk’s father, who longs for love.

The book draws heavily on To Kill a Mockingbird. And it really reminds me of one of my favourites of 2007, Lullabies for Little Criminals.

Read an excerpt here.

When Will There Be Good News by Kate Atkinson

I don’t read many mysteries, but this is a complex, smart, well-written mystery, with compelling characters, including another young, wise beyond her years young girl named Reggie.

Sixteen-year-old Reggie is the nanny for Dr. Joanna Hunter, who at the age of six witnessed the brutal murders of her mother, brother and sister before escaping their assailant. When Dr. Hunter goes missing, Reggie is the only one who believes something is wrong. That is until she meets Investigator Jackson Brodie (from two of Atkinson’s previous books) who has his own mysterious connection to the case.

Be prepared to stay up all night to find out how it ends!

Read an excerpt here.

What Was Lost by Catherine O’Flynn

I seem to be on a roll with little girl characters in this list. In What Was Lost a lost little girl with a notebook and toy monkey appears on the CCTV screen of the Green Oaks shopping centre, evoking memories of junior detective, Kate Meaney, missing for twenty years. Kurt, a security guard with a sleep disorder and Lisa, a disenchanted deputy manager at Your Music, together become entranced by the little girl they keep glimpsing on the security cameras. As Kurt and Lisa’s after-hours friendship grows in intensity, it brings new loss and new longing to light.

Like Atkinson’s book, this novel will keep you up ‘til all hours, and will resonate with you long after you finish. It is the winner of the 2007 Costa First Novel Award.

Read an excerpt here.

Babylon Rolling by Amanda Boyden

Don't you love the cover?

Set in New Orleans in the days leading up to Hurricane Katrina, Babylon Rolling is narrated by several of the diverse characters whose lives bump up against each other, often too close for comfort. Fearius, fresh out of juvey, embarks on his drug-dealing career; Ariel and Ed, white, middle-class, parents of two relocate from Minnesota; Indira and Ganesha, professionals, move into the biggest house on the block; Cerise Brown, 70-year-old black woman and long-time resident and Philomena Beuregard de Bruges, the white “uptown lady” observe their new neighbours. New Orleans itself is practically another character in the novel (Boyden resides in the city). Gritty and real, the voices simmer and roil until they reach the boiling point.

This book is evocative of the movie Crash, only much more sophisticated.

Amanda Boyden is married to another brilliant writer, Joseph Boyden, this year’s Giller winner for Through Black Spruce (another marvelous book—review to come!)

Read an excerpt here.

Now it’s your turn: tell me your favourite books of 2008. Comment here, or write your own post.

Books for Him

2008-11-27T10:33:00.004-05:00

I’ve called this list “books for him” for the sake of symmetry, but these are my personal favourites, so obviously they’re a great choice for the ladies too.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Cormac McCarthy is my favourite male author, and this is one of his most accessible books. In spare, vivid prose he paints a bleak picture of the human condition, yet affirms the tenacity of love between parent and child.

I’m so disappointed the movie release has been delayed. Viggo is brilliant casting, no?

Read my review here.

The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis

The is a fresh and funny political satire, with an interesting back-story. Terry Fallis first released the book for free as a podcast. Then he self-published—and won the Stephen Leacock award for humour! Now M&S has published his book. This is a great read, and the author couldn’t be more lovely.

The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson

Speaking of lovely authors, Andrew Davidson is another one. I know you’re sick of me talking about this book, but I just want to give it one last plug. I think the cover might turn off the guys, but they definitely should give it a shot.

Read my review here.

Want more ideas? I haven’t read these ones, but I’m bringing ‘em home for the men in my life:

Don Cherry’s Hockey Stories and Stuff

John Lennon: The Life

The Montreal Canadiens

Metro's Holiday Gift Guide

2008-11-21T15:14:00.007-05:00

Dear lord, another week has gone by without blogging. I just can’t seem to be a good blogger these days. I am ashamed and embarrassed about not writing a book review in so long. To be honest, it’s not just that I’m busy, but I feel much more self-conscious about writing book reviews these days. I know there is a much greater chance the author, or a colleague will read and think my words are inane, or clichéd. I’ve never posted negative reviews, so you don’t have to worry I will try to market a book I’m not really behind here, but I’m finding it harder and harder to choose my words.

Anyway, I’ve decided to get over it, and get back to writing about books and pretend no one else is reading (which is almost true). I’m going to start by playing catch-up with some of my favourite books since summer, in the form of a gift guide. I’ll give you all of my personal faves, just a few at a time. And you really should buy books for Christmas gifts. They’re great value, and such a personal choice. Plus, it hasn’t exactly been the best year for the publishing biz, and you want me to keep my cool job, right?

On to the first list..

Fiction for Her

Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri

As you all know, I’m the biggest Alice Munro fan, and few writers compare. Well, Jhumpa Lahiri is an exception. She too writes short stories about families and women, and her prose is exquisite. Lahiri’s stories are subtle, wise, wonderful little gems.

Read more about the book.

The Story of a Widow by Musharraf Ali Farooqi

This is the gentle, funny, and slightly naughty tale of an Indian woman learning how to assert her independence from her family and community after the death of her husband.

I couldn’t believe this was written by a man (who is a genuine and lovely Toronto author by the way).

Read more about the book.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
This is an original, emotional, elegant epistolary novel set in 1946 at the end of World War II. The book is composed of a series of letters between London writer Juliet, and the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie society, born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island. This book is charming, captivating, and I cannot recommend it enough.

Read about the book.

Coming next: Fiction for Him

See more book recommendations, and get 30% off plus free shipping here.

A CanLit Live Blog!

2008-11-10T08:22:00.004-05:00

Updated with pic of Nino Ricci live blogging at the office. If you missed it today, you can catch a transcript here.

Well it was a fun, productive weekend, but the recap will have to wait until tomorrow. In a few hours I’ll be helping Nino Ricci get signed up to live blog during the inaugural CanLit Roundtable at the National Post’s new online Books section!

It’s a great time to talk books--the Giller Prize will be awarded tomorrow night, and the Governor General's Awards handed out next week. Ergo, today some of Canada's top authors, editors and publishers will gather for an interactive chat about the awards season.

Random House of Canada and M&S authors include:

Nino Ricci, author of The Origin of Species, 2008 Governor General’s Literary Awards nominee
Vincent Lam, author of Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures, Winner 2006 Scotiabank Giller Prize
Terry Fallis, author of The Best Laid Plans, winner of 2008 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour.
Douglas Hunter, author of God’s Mercies, 2008 Governor General’s Literary Award nominee

Martha Kanya-Forstner (who edited five of the GG award nominated books) will also be joining in, as well as Doug Pepper, President and Publisher for McClelland & Stewart. Fab lineup, no?

Make yourself a sandwich, and come and check it out here at 12:00 pm today!

In Which I Start Blogging Again

2008-11-05T13:09:00.003-05:00

I do believe I’ve survived the busiest time of the year at work. We have many, many books that went on sale at the end of October (to capitalize on the holiday shopping, of course). It's the festival season, and the award season. I have a big spreadsheet with titles and dates and I felt like throwing up every time I looked at October.

But now it’s November, and life is good again. I am working on something fun and exciting, which I’ll be sharing soon. Also, my team is now on Twitter! Follow us here. You can follow my personal tweets here. Last night I was tweeting the election from both accounts. I just know one day I’ll get the two mixed up and tweet something too personal or stupid on the work account. Mental note: no work tweeting after >3 drinks.

Halloween was a blast. Cakes had sooo much fun, and she was a delight. The neighbours really stepped up this year, and we had another impromptu front porch party. My favourite thing. We also set the date for the legendary annual Christmas crawl, and I can hardly wait.

Last but not least, congratulations to my friends from the south. ‘Tis a happy day indeed!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T09:04:00.005-04:00

Something Sweet

2008-10-22T08:45:00.005-04:00

My friend Nadine's sweet company is hosting a charity event this Saturday to raise money for Sick Kids. I've already bought my ticket to the Mother's Day Spa-A-Thon, and I have two more for you (thanks Nadine!). Here's the event deets:

Raising money for a good cause is important, but who needs to run 10k, spin for 2 hours, or walk for 24 hours, when you could just spend the day at the spa? Well, with Sweetmama's first Mother's Day Off Spa-A-Thon you can! SweetMama has partnered with the SickKids Foundation to host this very special event. It will take place on Saturday, October 25th from 1-5pm at Andrew Richards Designs.

You'll enjoy an afternoon of manicures, massages, yoga/pilates, boot camp, make up applications, and much more from some of our favourite sponsors like Gee Beauty, Dermalogica, Pilates for Life and Track Fitness! Plus there will be sweet treats provided from Flour Girls, Genuine Health, Track Snacks, and Vitamin Water.

If that's not enough, here are a few more reasons why you should buy a ticket:

1. You don't need to be a Sweetmama, or a mama, for that matter! It is just a day for women to kick back, relax and enjoy some "me" time, all for a good cause. Show your support without wearing a support bra!

2. The value of the gift bags is already over $175, so you'll more than make it back the ticket price in sweet swag!

3. Even if you can't make it that day, you should buy a ticket. Why? Because the money is for a great cause, and I we will put your gift bag away for you so that you can enjoy it another day.

Want a ticket? Leave a comment and tell me why you need a day off. I'll draw two winners at noon on Thursday. Sweet, no?

The Graduate

2008-10-19T07:56:00.003-04:00

Thankful, indeed

2008-10-12T23:12:00.000-04:00

A Conversation, A Rant, and a Holiday Greeting

2008-10-10T13:46:00.002-04:00

Overheard in Cakes’ room the other day:

McHotty: Goodnight sweetie! Can I have a kiss and a hug?

Cakes: See the sign over there? (gestures to art easel)

McHotty: Yes…(puzzled)

Cakes: The sign says, “no hugs and no kisses!”

***

I am continuing to be driven slowly mad by stupid shit around my house. We just finally got some money back from our insurance claim after much boring paperwork and faxing of documents. I’ve been consoling myself with replacement shoes and wine. I was so lucky that all the shoes I didn’t like anymore were in the basement when it flooded! But get this—last week my next-door neighbour was getting her new furniture delivered from Sears. Another neighbour noticed the delivery truck was backing dangerously close to our brand new fence, and told them so. The driver ignored him, stopped, and when he put it in gear, promptly ran into the fence, bending it.

Fucking hell! So now I’m dealing with more obtaining of estimate, faxing it, blah, blah, blah. And the person on the other end is claiming she didn’t get my fax, prompting me to just dash off a very vile email that probably won’t speed things along any. Sears: you suck!

***

On a less ranty note, I hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving weekend. And we all have so very much to be thankful for, don’t we! We should dwell on that a little more sometimes, I think. We’re headed to K-town for the weekend. I hope to find you all stuffed with turkey, slightly hungover, and full of holiday anecdotes when I return.

Things I've Been Doing Instead of Blogging

2008-09-29T20:01:00.002-04:00

I am a really lousy blogger these days, aren’t I! I mean, there’s never been much substance around here, but lately there ain’t much of anything. So what have I been doing instead of blogging?

· Work is really, really busy. I spent last week talking about the books for Summer ’09, but I’m just making a dent into the Fall ’08 books. We have a fuck of a lot of books in the fall. My head sure has been down at the office these days. Thankfully, we have a new assistant, and she’s awesome. I just need some more practice delegating.

· I caught an early screening of Choke, the latest adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk (author of Fight Club). It’s awesome! Darkly funny and oddly poignant. Highly, highly recommend. The cast is fantastic.

· I slipped away from the fam to Word on the Street yesterday. I can’t believe how much the festival has grown. The place was packed--I could barely get a look at the many lovely books on offer. But that’s okay, I have tons of reading already. Did anyone else go? Did you buy some books?

· Speaking of reading, I’m loving my new addiction, Kelley Armstrong. She’s a Stephanie Myer for grownups. Sexy and smart. The first book in her Women of the Otherworld series is Bitten. Try it--it won’t disappoint!

· This week: a couple of work events--a retirement party for John Neale (Chairman of RHC), and a launch for the new Nino Ricci the very next night. I usually hate to be out two school nights in a row, but don’t want to miss either of these shindigs.

So, these are my excuses, and I’m stickin’ to 'em. What’s new with you, my fine friends?

Good Friday

2008-09-19T15:37:00.004-04:00

I’m having a great day. Last night I had the pleasure of catching a classic, Alien, on the big screen with Crazymumma , Denguy, and one of Den’s pals. Today I walked to work with perfect crisp fall weather, and loud GnR on my iPod. I’m finally through my inbox (though a bunch of things are still lurking in black hole I call the “follow up” folder). On my lunch hour, I found a great new dress for cheap at one of the two fab Winners within walking distance. I bought some sweet filet mignon from the market to surprise McHotty tonight. Life is good.

And this is good. Check it out.

Don't Hate Me Because My House is Empty

2008-09-12T14:52:00.003-04:00

As much as I love my family, I can’t tell you how much I adore some time away from them. This week I had lots of it—Cakes is staying with her grandparents for the whole week, and McHotty is out doing whatever one does on a tugboat for 4 days (I really have no fucking idea). He went to Brockville and back. I talked to him the other night and it sounded like he was having a blast; I called Cakes, and she barely had time to say hi, she’s having so much fun. When pressed, she did admit she missed me a little.

I am having no problem passing the hours (as evidenced by yet another week of un-updated blog). I spent a couple of nights lolling around the house in my trackpants, eating stinky cheese, drinking wine, reading Kate Atkinson and Kelley Armstrong, and getting to know my new PVR (how did I survive this long without a PVR!) I’m loving the new 90210. Hooray, Kelly’s back! I downloaded and watched the first episode of Alan Ball’s new show, True Blood. It’s going to be so fucking awesome! Sexy and dark, just what I like.

Last night I went out to the Green Room with a few mates from my MA program. Now that it’s September I’m feeling a little nostalgic, and I’m missing them. I really wanted to shut the place down, but I was wise for once and left at midnight so I’d be fresh and bright for work today. I was also smart and stuck to just a few Coronas instead of copious amounts of cheap draft like we usually order. I appreciate that wisdom today.

Today is a nice relaxing day at work. Miriam Toews was at the office. I’m catching up on the fun stuff, like iRead, and GoodReads and Twitter (I’m now under my real name in Twitter—look me up!). I went to St. Lawrence Market at lunch and picked up some goodies for McHotty’s homecoming tonight. Cakes comes home tomorrow, and I’m glad. While a week alone is fab, I do miss her fiercely. It really hits me when I look in her room, empty and uncharacteristically tidy. But I can tell you right now, by the end of the rainy weekend they’re forecasting, I’ll be ready to ship her off again!

What are y’all up to this weekend?

Five Years Ago

2008-09-06T09:45:00.004-04:00

Five years already? Love you, McHotty.