I have a deep notion of social propriety that makes me very uncomfortable with being too publicly affectionate with someone. I know that many people do not share this notion. I sometimes wonder if PDA is a couple’s way of reassuring themselves that everything is fine. Like…if we kiss hard enough and publicly enough, everybody…
Ten Things I've Learned
I am now a blogger for the Huffington Post
So, this is a thing now. In all seriousness, I am thrilled to be a regular blogger now for the Huffington Post, and will be updating this blog with those posts as they are posted. I think I really need a smartphone now. Not for blogging; just to look sexy. Also, just gonna give props…
Ten things I've learned from being published on openfile.ca today!
I just got published on openfile.ca, and you can read my article here. I don’t really have ten things to say about it, but I will write one sentence as a list to stay true to the format, like so: Yay! It’s fun being published because it makes you feel like all of this writing…
Ten things I've learned from Jack Layton
Moustaches can be dignified and authoritative. Or creepy, depending on how well you can grow one. As a politician, everything you do and have done can come back, for better or worse. I remember seeing Jack Layton and Olivia Chow walking in an International Women’s Day parade. It was years ago, but I still remember.…
Ten things I've learned from shaving
You want to shave in the same direction consistently, so your skin gets used to it. If you have sensitive skin like I do, it’s good to shave with the grain. It’s not always the closest shave, but it’s less irritating. I’m not good at shaving. I never get a complete shave. When I have…
Ten things I've learned from working for a dance music record pool
Note: shout out to Richmond Records. If you are a DJ, sign up for this record pool. DJs are peculiar people. They are usually some combination of super cool, charismatic party machines, and nerded out tech/music geeks. On the cooler side of the spectrum, the DJs tend to be more aloof and, often, intimidatingly attractive.…
Call for new guestposts!
Hi folks, I was overwhelmed and blown away and taken aback (all at once) by the volume and quality of guestposts I received last Spring, so I am putting it out there again: I love guestposts! Please feel free to submit them to me. You can write about anything! The details are here: http://tenthingsivelearned.com/guestpost-submissions It…
Ten things I’ve learned from being in a long-term relationship
Note: I can’t accurately say “long-term”; the longest relationship I’ve been in was just over a year. But since I’ve had a few around that length, I feel like maybe they can serve as one big, messed up relationship. I am horrible at remembering names, dates, and noticing slight physical or aesthetic changes. This shortcoming…
Ten things I've learned from being at the cottage
Rocks are sharp. Television is over-rated. Looks can be deceiving. A giant spider might be more interested in hanging out on some wood than bugging/biting you. Hanging out on wood is a popular bug activity. Ants, spiders, termites, earwigs…they all love hanging out on some wood. Consequently, if you don’t like bugs all that much,…
Guestpost #37: Steve Hobbs – Ten things I’ve learned as a man existing outside of time
What is it like being a self-professed struggler with time? Steve Hobbs has learned a lot.
Ten things I've learned from getting lost
Part of the fun of riding a bicycle is getting lost and learning about a new neighbourhood. I rely more than I should on the mnemonic phrase “Never Eat Shredded Wheat.” Second Best: “Never Eat Soggy Worms.” I ask for directions, and I am a man. Impossible? I have learned to distrust my instincts. If…
Ten things I've learned from playing in a band
NOTE: I used to play in a band called Broken Falls Community Hall Band. We played a bunch of gigs in Vancouver, made a CD, never made much money…and loved every minute of it. This is a page with a song on it (right-hand side): http://radio3.cbc.ca/#/bands/Broken-Falls-Community-Hall-Band. Here’s us playing on a ridiculously small stage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHxyiT5omYU Try…
Ten things I've learned from event planning
I hate event planning. There is a special type of person who understands how to tie a bow just right, where a doily goes, and what kind of plastic snowflakes make the best table decorations. I am not that type of person. Always bring more than you need. Almost all events probably require: scissors, masking…
Guestpost #59: Jessica Mican – Ten things I've learned from teaching nursery after-school
Bio: Jessica is a temp, a baker, and a nerd. She is still trying to find her way in this world; teaching was just one step in the journey, one that she loved but discovered she is not cut out for. 25 years and she is still trying to figure it all out. She blogs,…
Ten things I've learned from not drinking alcohol
Note: I’m taking a hiatus from drinking alcohol. My previous hiatus was in university and lasted pretty much two years. Drinking is expensive, especially at bars. Having extra disposable income is a nice reward. Being sober when everybody around you is drunk at a party is like trying to make sense of a dream while…
Ten things I've learned from people who make donations to charity
People like giving, and often feel awkward about being thanked for it. But secretly, they appreciate it. How a donor responds to direct mail is often different from what they say they want. Why do you think so many charities use frills (like mailing labels)? They make a lot more money than they cost. I…