Open your virtual Easter basket!

Happy Easter! If the bunny didn't stop by your house, don't worry. I have made up a special virtual Easter basket for you and loaded it with goodies!

                  Photo credit: here

What's in the basket? 

Jokes. 

"What do you call a rabbit who tells jokes? A funny bunny!"

"What's an Easter egg's least favorite day? Fry-day."

"Why was the Easter Bunny so good at basketball? Because he had a great hop shot!"

Find more jokes here.

Cartoons.

Easter isn't just for kids. It's also for kids at heart! So, sit back and watch some Looney Tunes with Bugs Bunny.  

Comics.

What's the Easter Bunny doing these days? 

Happy Easter!

Photo credit: here

My first crush (was on a rabbit)

Talking about rabbits, do you remember Roger? As a kid, I had a big crush on 'Roger Rabbit'. I can understand why Jessica Rabbit fell for him! What a cutie! For me, it's the ears. 💕

My homemade empanadas

So, today is Good Friday and I spent a good part of the day making empanadas. Traditionally from Spain, this is a baked pastry with filling. I filled my empanadas with mashed potatoes and mixed in some cheese, garlic, and onions. I topped it off with an egg glaze. Bake time: 20 minutes at 350°F. Below, some photo highlights!

Is social media addictive? Yes.

TDSB and other Ontario school boards are suing social media giants like Facebook because these media platforms are addictive, causing harm to student learning. 

I strongly support this lawsuit, and agree that Facebook is addictive. Back in 2007, I signed up for Facebook. In 2010, I deleted my Facebook account. 

Being on Facebook drained my energy, time. I was obsessed with getting 'likes' on my posts and wanting 'to be liked'. I would check my Facebook constantly, maybe 4 or 5 or 6 times an hour. When I noticed my addiction, I pulled the plug. 

Other than Linkedin, you won't find me on social media. I choose mental health and wellness over 'Facebook Friends'. 

For more information on social media addiction, check out the study "Hooked on virtual social life" by Henzel and Håkansson (2021).

Photo credit: here 

Who is your favorite rabbit?

As we head towards Easter, it's time to celebrate some famous rabbits. Today, I'm honoring Lewis Carroll's The White Rabbit.

Photo credit: here

“No, no, no! You’re doing it all wrong. It’s not about the tea, it’s about the bread and butter.”

- The White Rabbit, from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Fun fact: Did you know a statue of Alice in Wonderland exists in Central Park, New York? Check it out here. It's super cool!

Look who I saw today

My chipmunk friend stopped by to say 'hello'! What a lovely surprise. I'm happy that she made it through the winter!

Photo taken March 26, 2024

Music Monday

Coldplay "A Sky Full of Stars"

Sing along optional:

'Cause you're a sky, 'cause you're a sky full of stars
'Cause you light up the path

Friday 11:12 pm

standing in a driveway

of knee high snow with 

only the street lamp 

to keep me company and 

snowflakes to kiss my face:

shovelling is a lonely game. 

Question #19

Question: We made it! It's officially the first day of Spring! What are you looking forward to? 

Photo credit: here

Music Monday

OneRepublic "I Ain't Worried" (From "Top Gun: Maverick")

Sing along optional:

I don't know what you've been told
But time is running out, so spend it like it's gold

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I'm Irish, really.

I don't drink, but I'm wearing green today!

Photo credit: here

my whole life could change with just one wink

i must have a neon sign

flashing ‘single’ on my forehead 

or perhaps the 'no ring' on my finger

is a good indicator of my availability

either way men keep flirting with me:

wink

wink

wink.

no matter the weather [even when it's 95 degrees outside]

my dream man holds my hand 

not because he has to but 

because he's proud to have

me by his side. 

Throwback Thursday

 

Me at The Beaches in Toronto 2018

A girl on the sidewalk, weeps

Today, I got out. I put my highlighters down. I put my books down. I closed my laptop and went for a long walk. The weather was beautiful! 

On my walk, I met a girl. She was pacing back and forth on the sidewalk. Her face was stained with tears. We got to talking and I asked if her tears had to do with a man. She replied, "Is there any other kind of hurt?" 

That's when I opened up. I shared with her my terrible breakup story and all the things that I learned from the hurt. I told her that it's important right now to turn to family and friends for comfort and support. I reminded her that she is loved and that she will meet other men -- better men, men that won't make her cry.

The girl thanked me. I smiled.

As I walked away, I thought maybe all the pain that I had been through over the last two years finally had a purpose. I was able to help someone else.  

Photo credit: here

Who is your favorite person?

Photo credit: here

Music Monday

 Buddy Holly "Everyday" (1957)

Sing along optional:

Everyday, it's a gettin' closer,
Goin' faster than a roller coaster,
Love like yours will surely come my way, (hey, hey, hey)

Happy International Women's Day!

In case you were wondering, my mom's surgery went well! What a relief. Spending time in the hospital, even as a visitor or guest, is very emotional. It makes you think a lot about family, friends, care, and health and wellness. 

Today we celebrate International Women's Day. Take time to reach out to all the special women in your life. Let them know how much you value them!

Photo credit: here

March 6 -- 7, 2024

Dear Blog Readers:

My mom is having surgery tomorrow (March 6). So, I will be spending the next few days with her at the hospital. 

My next blog post will be on March 8.

Kind wishes,

melissa 

Photo credit: here

Music Monday

Whitney Houston "I Didn't Know My Own Strength"

Sing along optional:

And I crashed down, and I tumbled
But I did not crumble
I got through all the pain

I didn't know my own strength

hourglass

how many people will i have to 

    introduce myself to, 

    shake hands with, 

    smile at, 

    awkwardly kiss 

    before i find 'the person'

        you know 

    the one i'm going to spend 

    the next 40 years with:

    i'm exhausted just thinking about it.

How to fix a broken zipper

The zipper on my coat broke. Instead of buying a new coat, I fixed the zipper. Did you know you can fix any zipper? Check out tips and tricks and fixes for zippers here. 

Photo credit: here