A man once told me that everything in life is rhythmic; the steps of your feet, the words from your mouth, the beat of your heart. And no matter how hard you might try to deny it, even things like your daily routine - taking the kids to school, writing a report, mailing a letter - are all done with some sort of rhythm. I know for sure that in my life, the rhythm is constantly changing. I'm always learning, always moving in one way or another; even when I'm sitting still.
This man's name is Dean Gagnon. If you saw him on the street, you may not give him a second look. He's your regular everyday Joe, earning a living as a Special Needs worker, and drumming in his spare time. But it's what he decided to do with his gifts - with the rhythm of his life - that made him extraordinary.
Please take the next two and a half minutes to watch his story that aired on Always Good News.
Erin
Friday, April 15, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
all you need is now
Turn the key. Sunglasses on. Pull out onto the street. Turn on the radio. Who knew I'd start my day with Duran Duran telling me, "all you need is now"? Followed by a resounding "never say never" from The Fray. It's funny how the universe just knows sometimes.
As you can see, I haven't written a blog entry in some time. I'm in great need of a spring cleaning of sorts; but of my life (ok, and my house). There are so many things I want to do! When was the last time I read a book? Wrote a page of my novel? Finished a scrapbook page?
These past few weeks have brought me stories of several amazing people who make me think it's possible to fit it all in (click on their names if you want to watch their story on alwaysgoodnews.ca). Sonya Di Rienzo, this amazing and quite beautiful female director making short films in Toronto. Don Lucas, a man who went skydiving and white water rafting - when he was in his 80's. Jean Okerese, 88 years young and working with her passion - fashion! Matt & Bill, two men who are striving to keep your kids safe on the road.... the list goes on.
Tonight I'm going to go home and see my beautiful son, teach a piano lesson, make and eat dinner.... Then, I'm going to read at least a chapter in the first in the pile of many books I'm dying to read. It's a start.
As you can see, I haven't written a blog entry in some time. I'm in great need of a spring cleaning of sorts; but of my life (ok, and my house). There are so many things I want to do! When was the last time I read a book? Wrote a page of my novel? Finished a scrapbook page?
These past few weeks have brought me stories of several amazing people who make me think it's possible to fit it all in (click on their names if you want to watch their story on alwaysgoodnews.ca). Sonya Di Rienzo, this amazing and quite beautiful female director making short films in Toronto. Don Lucas, a man who went skydiving and white water rafting - when he was in his 80's. Jean Okerese, 88 years young and working with her passion - fashion! Matt & Bill, two men who are striving to keep your kids safe on the road.... the list goes on.
Tonight I'm going to go home and see my beautiful son, teach a piano lesson, make and eat dinner.... Then, I'm going to read at least a chapter in the first in the pile of many books I'm dying to read. It's a start.
Monday, March 7, 2011
60 Seconds
While I mindlessly scrolled through Twitter updates on my phone last night, I saw a post about a fire truck t-boning a car and killing a 42-year-old woman. I didn't click on the link to find out more. These things happen every day, but for some reason the story stuck with me. I woke up this morning to a bbm message from my husband explaining the details of the crash. She was literally a minute from home, speaking to her child on the phone as she drove (not sure if it was a head-set or not). The phone went dead when she was hit, leaving her child motherless.
Anything can happen to anyone at any time. It's that simple.
All the way to work, I was feeling down because of this story. And I'm really not sure why it affected me so much... Maybe because I'm a parent now. Maybe because my friend Tanya's son Jack no longer has a mother. Maybe because I know one minute you can be on your way home to see your family, and the next you can be gone. BUT........ as the wife of a paramedic, I've learned you have to focus on the GOOD in life, because otherwise the darkness will eat you alive.
And so.... When I arrived at work on the verge of tears, feeling like driving back home and crawling into bed, I sat down and watched the piece my editor put together for me on Friday. It's the story of Gail Van Egmond, who decided one day to lose weight and get healthy so she could be the mom she was supposed to be to her two sons. It's inspirational, and beautiful, and positive. It reminded me that being afraid only wastes time, and living in the moment is not only encouraged, but necessary.
Then my mind wandered to the interview I did on Friday about a man named Trent Kilner, one of the 57 Orphans brought to Canada after the Fall of Saigon in 1975. He is alive, and well, and married to the love of his life with two beautiful children.
Life can bring horror and pain. But it can also bring happiness. And this minute, I'm choosing to focus on happiness.
Anything can happen to anyone at any time. It's that simple.
All the way to work, I was feeling down because of this story. And I'm really not sure why it affected me so much... Maybe because I'm a parent now. Maybe because my friend Tanya's son Jack no longer has a mother. Maybe because I know one minute you can be on your way home to see your family, and the next you can be gone. BUT........ as the wife of a paramedic, I've learned you have to focus on the GOOD in life, because otherwise the darkness will eat you alive.
And so.... When I arrived at work on the verge of tears, feeling like driving back home and crawling into bed, I sat down and watched the piece my editor put together for me on Friday. It's the story of Gail Van Egmond, who decided one day to lose weight and get healthy so she could be the mom she was supposed to be to her two sons. It's inspirational, and beautiful, and positive. It reminded me that being afraid only wastes time, and living in the moment is not only encouraged, but necessary.
Then my mind wandered to the interview I did on Friday about a man named Trent Kilner, one of the 57 Orphans brought to Canada after the Fall of Saigon in 1975. He is alive, and well, and married to the love of his life with two beautiful children.
Life can bring horror and pain. But it can also bring happiness. And this minute, I'm choosing to focus on happiness.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
only a number
I just wrote an entire paragraph about turning 30, and decided to skip the old cliches and move on to the important stuff.
While I did celebrate my birthday this past weekend, I also attended the 10th Anniversary Gala for the Tema Conter Memorial Trust. A few short months ago, I accepted the position of Director of Media & Public Relations for this charity, because I truly believe in their cause. Through research, education, training and peer and psychological support, the trust is there to help those men and women in emergency services (police, fire, ems and military personnel) suffering from Acute and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As the wife of a paramedic, I can say simply and whole-heartedly that I COULD NEVER DO WHAT THEY DO. But what I can do is support them. Tell their stories. And spread the word that asking for help is OK.
I met a man named Leandre (pronounced Lee-ander) last week who learned quickly that sometimes asking for help is a necessity. He didn't suffer from PTSD, but he did survive a spinal chord injury. He is now a quadriplegic. Did you know that some quadriplegics can move their arms? Use their hands? Even walk? I certainly didn't. Leandre says "not everyone turns out like Christopher Reeve", and thankfully so. Leandre has limited but high-functioning use of his arms and hands, can wiggle his toes and says if he holds onto something tight, he can even stand up for brief periods. He has a steady girlfriend, travels all over the world, works for the Canadian Paraplegic Association as a Peer Support Coordinator and fundraiser, down-hill skis and plays wheelchair rugby. He has overcome his disability, and turned it into something positive.
When I walked away from Leandre, steady on my feet, I decided that turning 30 wasn't so bad after all.
While I did celebrate my birthday this past weekend, I also attended the 10th Anniversary Gala for the Tema Conter Memorial Trust. A few short months ago, I accepted the position of Director of Media & Public Relations for this charity, because I truly believe in their cause. Through research, education, training and peer and psychological support, the trust is there to help those men and women in emergency services (police, fire, ems and military personnel) suffering from Acute and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As the wife of a paramedic, I can say simply and whole-heartedly that I COULD NEVER DO WHAT THEY DO. But what I can do is support them. Tell their stories. And spread the word that asking for help is OK.
I met a man named Leandre (pronounced Lee-ander) last week who learned quickly that sometimes asking for help is a necessity. He didn't suffer from PTSD, but he did survive a spinal chord injury. He is now a quadriplegic. Did you know that some quadriplegics can move their arms? Use their hands? Even walk? I certainly didn't. Leandre says "not everyone turns out like Christopher Reeve", and thankfully so. Leandre has limited but high-functioning use of his arms and hands, can wiggle his toes and says if he holds onto something tight, he can even stand up for brief periods. He has a steady girlfriend, travels all over the world, works for the Canadian Paraplegic Association as a Peer Support Coordinator and fundraiser, down-hill skis and plays wheelchair rugby. He has overcome his disability, and turned it into something positive.
When I walked away from Leandre, steady on my feet, I decided that turning 30 wasn't so bad after all.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
rules are made to be broken
Before I came back to work, I set three rules for myself:
1. I would not book any shoots on a Monday morning.
2. I would not book any shoots further than half an hour in the winter.
3. I would not work evenings or weekends unless it was ABSOLUTELY necessary.
I have broken all three of those rules in the first week.
I know it's all about perspective, and every one's life is different, blah, blah, blah, but I'm feeling guilty for making such a huge deal about going back to work, turning 30 and all the other silly things I complain about. Wednesday evening I interviewed Kevin McGill, a vibrant, athletic guy in his early '20s. You'd never know that just 2 years ago he was diagnosed with the most severe case of lupus his doctors had ever seen... With a positive attitude and the help of his yummy trainer (oops, did I write that out loud?), Adam Kania, Kevin has overcome this disease, and is hopeful that his remission will continue for the rest of his life. This incredible story will air Wednesday February 16th at 9:30pm on CTS.
Last night I did a follow-up with Shari Ichelson Silverman, a woman with such strength and conviction, I am blown away by all that she's accomplished for others. Watch Friday February 18th for the story I did in the Fall of 2009 when Shari was waiting for a match for a bone marrow transplant, and then on Monday February 21st for the amazing news she got while I was away on maternity leave. I urge all of you to get on the One Match stem cell and marrow network registry! All it takes is a cheek swab (I did it last night and it took 30 seconds), and you could literally save a life. There's a one-month-old baby in B.C. waiting for a transplant. Think about that.
When we set rules in our lives, we're limiting what we can learn, what we can accomplish and ultimately what we can become. I don't want to work 60 hour weeks like I was doing before I had a baby, but I also want to tell great stories. As I've been saying in my other posts, it's all about balance... and if I can find that balance without making rules for myself, I'll be a very happy girl :)
1. I would not book any shoots on a Monday morning.
2. I would not book any shoots further than half an hour in the winter.
3. I would not work evenings or weekends unless it was ABSOLUTELY necessary.
I have broken all three of those rules in the first week.
I know it's all about perspective, and every one's life is different, blah, blah, blah, but I'm feeling guilty for making such a huge deal about going back to work, turning 30 and all the other silly things I complain about. Wednesday evening I interviewed Kevin McGill, a vibrant, athletic guy in his early '20s. You'd never know that just 2 years ago he was diagnosed with the most severe case of lupus his doctors had ever seen... With a positive attitude and the help of his yummy trainer (oops, did I write that out loud?), Adam Kania, Kevin has overcome this disease, and is hopeful that his remission will continue for the rest of his life. This incredible story will air Wednesday February 16th at 9:30pm on CTS.
Last night I did a follow-up with Shari Ichelson Silverman, a woman with such strength and conviction, I am blown away by all that she's accomplished for others. Watch Friday February 18th for the story I did in the Fall of 2009 when Shari was waiting for a match for a bone marrow transplant, and then on Monday February 21st for the amazing news she got while I was away on maternity leave. I urge all of you to get on the One Match stem cell and marrow network registry! All it takes is a cheek swab (I did it last night and it took 30 seconds), and you could literally save a life. There's a one-month-old baby in B.C. waiting for a transplant. Think about that.
When we set rules in our lives, we're limiting what we can learn, what we can accomplish and ultimately what we can become. I don't want to work 60 hour weeks like I was doing before I had a baby, but I also want to tell great stories. As I've been saying in my other posts, it's all about balance... and if I can find that balance without making rules for myself, I'll be a very happy girl :)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
having my cupcake and eating it, too
Well, I'm back at work in full swing, with two shoots under my belt already. And as many of you read on Facebook, I thought I may have lost my touch... But unbeknownst to me, reporting is like riding a tandem bike; as long as your cameraman is on board and willing to help you steer, you won't fall off.
I am already feeling so much better about being back at work, because I really do have the coolest job. I met some incredible people yesterday, and have several more lined up for the rest of the week. Monday's show will include my story about Mary-Lu Zahalan, a Juno-nominated singer/songwriter who is not only the head of Sheridan's performance program, but earned herself the very first masters degree in the Beatles (note: my first reaction when Connie told me about the story was, "why is a story about a degree in beetles interesting?" to which Connie replied, "No, THE Beatles"). We ventured across Sheridan's Oakville campus (a LOT bigger than you'd think) and met Mary-Lu and her quirky performance class, two of the students belting out a mash-up of Britney's "Boys" and Gaga's "Boys, Boys, Boys". Mary-Lu is a music teacher that everyone should have - beautiful, worldly and smart as hell with a cool rocker edge.
Tuesday's show will include my story about a little Vegan cafe in Burlington called Kind Food. Ken and Kelly Childs (their name says it all... they're just about the cutest couple you'll ever see) own this gluten-free bakery/vegan cafe/foods and juice bar, and their story is really incredible. The most shocking thing I learned is that Ken, now a full-out vegan, used to own a STEAKHOUSE!! He credits Kelly with "saving" him (sounds dramatic, but when you put those lifestyles side-by-side, it's beyond true), and says he's never felt better or been happier in his life. I became a vegetarian almost a year ago, and after meeting the Childs', would definitely consider trying a Vegan lifestyle. I tried some of the most delicious food I've ever tasted, including a raspberry-chocolate cupcake that I would have SWORN was full of sugar - you'd literally never know it was actually good for you. And I did my stand-up in one take (make sure you watch that one 'cause I take a huge bite out of the cupcake and get it all over myself - classic)... I had the urge to shout out, "I'm BACK baby!!", but without my Friends trivia girls around, it wouldn't have made much sense.
Today is Mateo's birthday, and while it hurt me to leave this morning, I made time this afternoon to go home for a quick lunch to see him. I think I'm going to get this balancing thing under control, and I'll be able to enjoy both parts of my life. A good friend wrote me an email recently, that said:
I am already feeling so much better about being back at work, because I really do have the coolest job. I met some incredible people yesterday, and have several more lined up for the rest of the week. Monday's show will include my story about Mary-Lu Zahalan, a Juno-nominated singer/songwriter who is not only the head of Sheridan's performance program, but earned herself the very first masters degree in the Beatles (note: my first reaction when Connie told me about the story was, "why is a story about a degree in beetles interesting?" to which Connie replied, "No, THE Beatles"). We ventured across Sheridan's Oakville campus (a LOT bigger than you'd think) and met Mary-Lu and her quirky performance class, two of the students belting out a mash-up of Britney's "Boys" and Gaga's "Boys, Boys, Boys". Mary-Lu is a music teacher that everyone should have - beautiful, worldly and smart as hell with a cool rocker edge.
Tuesday's show will include my story about a little Vegan cafe in Burlington called Kind Food. Ken and Kelly Childs (their name says it all... they're just about the cutest couple you'll ever see) own this gluten-free bakery/vegan cafe/foods and juice bar, and their story is really incredible. The most shocking thing I learned is that Ken, now a full-out vegan, used to own a STEAKHOUSE!! He credits Kelly with "saving" him (sounds dramatic, but when you put those lifestyles side-by-side, it's beyond true), and says he's never felt better or been happier in his life. I became a vegetarian almost a year ago, and after meeting the Childs', would definitely consider trying a Vegan lifestyle. I tried some of the most delicious food I've ever tasted, including a raspberry-chocolate cupcake that I would have SWORN was full of sugar - you'd literally never know it was actually good for you. And I did my stand-up in one take (make sure you watch that one 'cause I take a huge bite out of the cupcake and get it all over myself - classic)... I had the urge to shout out, "I'm BACK baby!!", but without my Friends trivia girls around, it wouldn't have made much sense.
Today is Mateo's birthday, and while it hurt me to leave this morning, I made time this afternoon to go home for a quick lunch to see him. I think I'm going to get this balancing thing under control, and I'll be able to enjoy both parts of my life. A good friend wrote me an email recently, that said:
"In going back [to work] you are showing Mateo that you are a whole person and that while he is the most important part of your world, your work is also part of you. You are giving him an excellent role model in how to balance your life with work and family. When Mateo is ready for a girlfriend he’ll choose a girl who is strong, smart, compassionate, generous and beautiful inside and out…just like his Mom."
I can't tell you how good that made me feel... and it's almost as though a switch turned on for me. I can do this. I can be a journalist, and I can be Mommy. And I can do both well.
Monday, January 31, 2011
the end of an era
So, here it is, the last day of my mat leave. I always knew this day would come, but did I think it would come this fast? Hell no. I'm going to make the best of it (staying inside because it's -18 outside and I'd like Mateo to keep his fingers).
I always find it interesting that going to bed at night and waking up in the morning are so very different. When I put my head down last night, I was on the verge of tears, head pounding, mind racing. When I woke up this morning, it took me a few minutes to remember that I'd even been upset. That happened often after my dear friend Tanya passed away in 2009. It still happens sometimes; I have to remind myself that she's gone. I wish we could live in those brief moments of ignorant bliss all the time... but that wouldn't be very healthy, would it.
I'm watching Mateo on the monitor as he naps (yes, I'm one of those paranoid first-time moms with a video monitor), wondering what fun we'll have this afternoon. It'll probably be like any other day we've spent this past year, but for me it will be different. I know I will still see him every day, and spend full days with him on weekends, but I can't help but feel the presence of the word "goodbye".
Calling my maternity leave an "era" may be a tad dramatic, but for me, it was. And now that it's over, I know I have to find a way to transition into this next one...without spending every waking minute with my precious baby boy. You can bet though, that he'll always be on my mind. Whether I'm interviewing the Queen of England (that would be cool), or sifting through footage of a Brian Melo concert, Mateo will be in my thoughts. And while I know each year will go faster than the last, he will ALWAYS be my baby.
I always find it interesting that going to bed at night and waking up in the morning are so very different. When I put my head down last night, I was on the verge of tears, head pounding, mind racing. When I woke up this morning, it took me a few minutes to remember that I'd even been upset. That happened often after my dear friend Tanya passed away in 2009. It still happens sometimes; I have to remind myself that she's gone. I wish we could live in those brief moments of ignorant bliss all the time... but that wouldn't be very healthy, would it.
I'm watching Mateo on the monitor as he naps (yes, I'm one of those paranoid first-time moms with a video monitor), wondering what fun we'll have this afternoon. It'll probably be like any other day we've spent this past year, but for me it will be different. I know I will still see him every day, and spend full days with him on weekends, but I can't help but feel the presence of the word "goodbye".
Calling my maternity leave an "era" may be a tad dramatic, but for me, it was. And now that it's over, I know I have to find a way to transition into this next one...without spending every waking minute with my precious baby boy. You can bet though, that he'll always be on my mind. Whether I'm interviewing the Queen of England (that would be cool), or sifting through footage of a Brian Melo concert, Mateo will be in my thoughts. And while I know each year will go faster than the last, he will ALWAYS be my baby.
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