None Kirana / My Orange Notebook It was a Tuesday. Tomorrow, September 10th, is 28 years since my first seizure. Right down to the weekday. But what about September 9th? Before my life changed overnight? Before I received the diagnosis of a brain tumour? What would my diary entry have been that night? I'll never … Continue reading Dear Diary – The Entry I Didn’t Write on September 9th, 1991
Arborg
From Winnipeg to Arborg – Change is Good Even When You’re Lost
I'm surrounded by boxes. Tons of boxes. Triple the amount and my furniture are in a storage unit - which barely closed. My clothes are squeezed in a 12 ft closet space. The rest are wrapped in a white bedsheet, resembling a massive marshmallow. The rest-rest - oh yes, there's more - are stuffed into … Continue reading From Winnipeg to Arborg – Change is Good Even When You’re Lost
Daylight Saving Time, You’re the Worst
Daylight Saving. When our Smartphones and computer clocks auto-change, and we leave our oven ticker until November. It's an archaic, out-dated, over-stayed-its-welcome system. What does it accomplish? Anyone? Because I'm hearing crickets. The entire idea of Daylight Saving is pointless. We may as well call it "modified, pointless" time. People don't start their jobs an … Continue reading Daylight Saving Time, You’re the Worst
From Eight to Sixteen – The Story of a Synchronized Skating Team
Synchro skating isn't about medals. It's about the memories. Medals are a bonus though. During the Arborg Skating Club's 1988/1989 season, our coach produced three successful synchronized (precision) skating teams. I was on the eight-member senior team, winning two silver medal. Two competitions, two silver medals. Not too shabby. We won our second silver medal … Continue reading From Eight to Sixteen – The Story of a Synchronized Skating Team
The Blogging Challenge – It’s a Challenge
Why is the blogging challenge so challenging this year? Why is it so hard? It's like my brain is mush. Or something. Here's a photo of me skipping on a snowbank in my hometown.
Arborg’s Garbage Night – Taking Out the Trash in Your Pajamas
We don't have residential BFI bins. Garbage day four? That doesn't exist in my hometown. We have weekly east and west garbage pick up, and semi-weekly for businesses on Main Street. How quaint. I just drag my garbage bags to the end of the driveway, and - like magic - it's gone by 9 a.m. … Continue reading Arborg’s Garbage Night – Taking Out the Trash in Your Pajamas
“Victim of Crime,” Missing Winnipeg Man Could be in Arborg
The search for a missing Winnipeg man has expanded into Arborg, Manitoba. The Winnipeg Police are asking residents and business owners in the Arborg and surrounding areas to check for signs of Eduardo Balaquit, who is considered to be a "victim of crime." Eduardo "Eddie" Balaquit, 59 years old, disappeared on June 4, 2018. His … Continue reading “Victim of Crime,” Missing Winnipeg Man Could be in Arborg
Who Moved my Epic Moment – I Was Ready!
I waited for this moment. Like a giddy child, I waited for this moment for a month. I mean, didn't we all? How often does this happen? Has this ever happened before? Exactly. This was going to be awesome. Huge. Epic. Spectacular! Momentous! I need a life! In anticipation, I cleared my cache, boosted my … Continue reading Who Moved my Epic Moment – I Was Ready!
Separation, Divorce, and A Late Night Message – Why, why, why
I was in an awesome mood. A little over a week ago, I went to the Skate Canada Manitoba AGM. Honestly, I was super thrilled about staying in a hotel room. By myself. Solo. As I drove into the parking lot of the hotel, I felt like Hermey from Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. Independent. … Continue reading Separation, Divorce, and A Late Night Message – Why, why, why
The Challenge of Solitude – The Selfie
I didn't think this through. Sure, I'm happy on my own. I love my solitude. Being alone is awesome and stuff. But I didn't think this part through. I've tried to figure it out from all angles. And it's incredibly frustrating. The selfie. Namely, photos. How the heck do I take photos of myself when I'm … Continue reading The Challenge of Solitude – The Selfie
Remembering Oma’s on Roblin Blvd – Simply the Best
We had to go there. A friend called today. Our conversation was fine until she brought up a painful word. Bakery. Gasp. For ten minutes, we spoke about bakeries. Lovely, sweet bakeries. Filled with gluten. Lots and lots of gluten.Don't offer me a macaroon. Please, I don't want rice flour bread. I want a sugar-coated … Continue reading Remembering Oma’s on Roblin Blvd – Simply the Best
Next Time You Pass a Car Wash and You Hear a Beep – It’s Probably Me
To my horror, last night I ran out of coffee. So, I rose with the sun. I accomplished some writing stuff, and then - au natural - I slapped on a houndstooth hat and skipped to Coop. Okay, I drove. Which is the main part of the story. At the till, I chatted with the … Continue reading Next Time You Pass a Car Wash and You Hear a Beep – It’s Probably Me
We’re Quaint, Not Different – Arborg’s Vibe
A #throwbackthursday repost in honour of Arborg’s distinction as Travel Manitoba’s “5 cute and quaint towns in Manitoba that will inspire your next road trip.”
At first, you don’t notice.
Those quaint little things people do in small towns. They make us unique. Dare I say, cute. Maybe that’s too far. No, I think cute is accurate.
Small towns are underrated. And we’re often stereotyped. Some are true, others aren’t. Actually most aren’t.
Arborg is cool. Maybe it’s our vibe. Or our constant stream of socials and gatherings.
Whether you were raised here, stayed or just visited – you’ve noticed there’s something you can’t put your finger on about us. We’re different without being weird. We’re cool without being cocky. And we’re kind without being fake.
I love Winnipeg. With its history, and the Exchange District. Its downtown, and its Charleswood. But when I returned from Edmonton, I gravitated back home. And home was Arborg.
And some things never change:
- Our postal code. It’s “R ‘Oh’ C, ‘Oh’ A ‘Oh’ ” because saying “R-zero-C, zero-A-zero is just…
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Brownies with Gluten – I Can’t Eat Them, But You Can
I miss brownies. I mean real brownies. Not the ones that are modified to suit a gluten free diet. Thanks to my DNA - I inherited Celiac disease. I don't eat brownies often, because I can't find a good recipe - and chocolate makes my face breakout. Thanks, rosacea. Geez, I can't catch a break. … Continue reading Brownies with Gluten – I Can’t Eat Them, But You Can
Rebooting the 29 then 40 Journey
Technically, this year it's 29 then 42. Another challenge. To write 42 posts in 42 days. How will these posts differ from when I turned 40? To start, I've made a Facebook page for my 29then40 blog. It's, like, totally free to join! When I turned 40, my posts were reflections. Such as Dear teenage … Continue reading Rebooting the 29 then 40 Journey
If I had a Nickel for Everytime I Bought Toilet Paper, I’d have a Dollar
I like online shopping. No line ups, no changing rooms. No-helium voices from outside the dressing room, knocking eighteen times to ask, "Are you doing okay in there?" Next time a retail associate does that, I'm answering in a male voice. Of course, not everything can be ordered online. There's grocery shopping. However, when I'm … Continue reading If I had a Nickel for Everytime I Bought Toilet Paper, I’d have a Dollar
To My Gigi Taraschuk – You Died of a Broken Heart
To my Gigi Taraschuk, You left us seven years and three days ago. You died around 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve. On the anniversary this year, I went to the graveyard where you and Baba are buried. I skipped doe-like, as though in a park, but I couldn't find your graves. I did successfully slip … Continue reading To My Gigi Taraschuk – You Died of a Broken Heart
Our Marriage Wasn’t A Failure – Separation Advice From A Beginner
No one has the right to say someone's marriage was a failure. Marriages don't fail. They simply end. And you enter the next phase of your life. After sixteen years of marriage, my husband and I have separated. He's living in Winnipeg. And I'm staying in Arborg. My husband used to be uptown nearly everyday … Continue reading Our Marriage Wasn’t A Failure – Separation Advice From A Beginner
We’re Quaint, Not Different – Arborg’s Vibe
Small towns are underrated. And we're often stereotyped. Some statements are true, others aren't. Actually most aren't. My hometown of Arborg is quaint and unique. Dare I say, cute. Maybe that's too far. No, I think cute is accurate. Arborg is cool. Maybe it's our vibe. Or our constant stream of socials and gatherings. Whether you were … Continue reading We’re Quaint, Not Different – Arborg’s Vibe
Stony on Ice – Dissecting the Aftermath of Inner Demons
What a difference a year makes. Today's one year since I won the gold medal in Adult Intro Interpretive at Stony on Ice. My first competition in 22 years. This year's competition on March 26, 2017 didn't go so well. I flip-flopped for months between Sam Smith's "Latch" or Sam Tsui and Max Schneider's "Demons." "Demons" won. … Continue reading Stony on Ice – Dissecting the Aftermath of Inner Demons
Dusting Off Memories Of A Synchro Competition – A Throwback Thursday
It seems like yesterday. But it was 27 years ago. I'll let that soak in for a moment. The 1990 Interlake Regional *Precision Competition at the Stonewall arena. I remember the weirdest parts of that afternoon. Eating pizza buns at a teammate's house. Her mom driving my teammate (her daughter), my sister, and me to the … Continue reading Dusting Off Memories Of A Synchro Competition – A Throwback Thursday
The Land Of Confusion – Why Can’t I Write These Posts
I don't know what's different this year. I can't seem to write for this blog. Maybe the best stories were written. Or I have stories, but I can't share them. Sure, I wrote a post last night. I confessed I think I'm fat. And now people are aware of my insecurities. A round of applause please. I … Continue reading The Land Of Confusion – Why Can’t I Write These Posts
A Different Sort Of Hindsight – Another Journey Begins
Here were go again. It's another 40 days until I turn 41 years old. Yet, I don't feel like I'll be 41. I didn't feel 40, nor did I feel 35. How is an age supposed to feel? Warm and fuzzy? Cold and bitter? No idea. Since I've written, a lot has happened. Changed. Stayed … Continue reading A Different Sort Of Hindsight – Another Journey Begins
It’s Almost Time – From Older Me to Younger Me
Dear 39-Year-Old Tammy, Nothing will change. You will wake up tomorrow. A day older. On the right side of the bed. And nothing will change. With time, your body might. Same with your skin and hair. But not overnight. Body changes take time. More than eight hours. Attitude changes can take a lifetime. Nothing will … Continue reading It’s Almost Time – From Older Me to Younger Me
Snow’s on the Way – My Knees Told Me
I can predict the weather. Seriously. I don’t bother with the five-day forecast. I’ll look at it and scoff. Because my figure skating knees are tell me otherwise. Years of ice cold arenas have left me with a cool ability to be a walking barometer. I knew last Sunday that Wednesday’s heavy snow was on … Continue reading Snow’s on the Way – My Knees Told Me
Friday Night – And I’m Still At Work
It’s Friday night. When I looked at the weather for tomorrow, I almost said to my husband, “You might not be going into work tomorrow.” I’d better add a calendar to my grownup birthday list. That’s what happens when you work from home. The days mesh into one. I don't have holidays. Well, I do, … Continue reading Friday Night – And I’m Still At Work
A Letter to Myself the Day Before I Turn 15 Years Old – Be Grateful You Have Thick Hair and Great Friends
Dear Almost 15-year-old Tammy, I want you to read this the day before turning 15 years old. In front of the tube TV. Munching on a bag of Orville Redenbacher Caramel popcorn. Probably watching "90210.” The Arborg Skating Club’s competition wrapped up. You won two medals. Enjoy them. Because you won’t compete for awhile. Spoiler … Continue reading A Letter to Myself the Day Before I Turn 15 Years Old – Be Grateful You Have Thick Hair and Great Friends
Pack Up, Class of 1994 – You’re Retiring in Arborg
It’s an idyllic thought. The other night, retirement came up when I was messaging a friend. I giggled when I went to bed. Because wouldn't it be awesome if the entire Class of 1994 returned to our small town Manitoba roots to retire? Back to the Town of Arborg? So, I propose, when we’re all … Continue reading Pack Up, Class of 1994 – You’re Retiring in Arborg
Ten Things I Learned About My Parents in One Afternoon
My parents don’t eat lunch. Since leaving the dairy farm and grain fields behind, lunch doesn't involve swallowing sandwiches whole. They refer to lunch as dinner. And something simple. Such as chili. Or curried or roasted chicken.My mom’s a great cook. Never mind grandparents. I swear she inspired the “Grandparents say, ‘Little snack before you … Continue reading Ten Things I Learned About My Parents in One Afternoon
The Struggle with Chapter Five – The Challenge of Writing Non-Fiction-Fictional Romance
It’s taking forever. On March 17th, it’ll be two years since I started to write my first romance novel. It's a romance-mystery. It's fictional, but I've intertwined elements of non-fiction. Just to complicate my life. To date, I’ve probably pumped out over 140,000 words and slashed 30K. Some characters have changed – some so often … Continue reading The Struggle with Chapter Five – The Challenge of Writing Non-Fiction-Fictional Romance
From Small Town to Big City to Small Town – Why I Returned
It’s a question people still ask. “So, why’d you move home?” I returned to my hometown of Arborg, Manitoba in October 2014. It seems bizarre. After all, I fought for 13 years to get into Creative Communications at Red River College, then I was a broadcaster and figure skating journalist in Alberta for two years. … Continue reading From Small Town to Big City to Small Town – Why I Returned
29 then 40 