sassykg • March 31, 2020

I spent much of the earlier part of my adult life adjusting to new environments, making moves from city to city about once every four years as my husband’s job required. We transferred to several Canadian urban areas, two in the west and one in the more eastern part of our country. Each relocation involved uprooting children who were not always willing or enthusiastic participants in what we assured them would be an amazing adventure. For each in the family, every transfer meant leaving friends behind and adjusting to new realities- different school systems, diverse community cultures and changed business roles.

Trying to balance new lifestyles has its pros and cons. Fear of change and the unknown are probably the most challenging parts of starting a new life in a different city. Anxiety about how the kids will do in their new schools, how all of us will make friends and where to find the best bagels in town are just a few.

On the other hand, changing environments necessitates determination mixed with the willingness to take chances. One of my first attempts to adapt to living in a new town turned out to be a tried and true method for subsequent moves. We joined a family “health” club that offered diverse activities, workout classes, running groups, childcare, racquetball and tennis to name a few. This forum to socialize meant we met a plethora of people many of whom we have maintained relationships over countless years.

So those early adjustments to new circumstances have given me some insight into handling our current reality during the coronavirus pandemic.
Foremost among these is : SOCIALIZATION!

All those friends I connected with over those years and recently as well, are crucial to getting through these arduous times. Our technological world lends itself to maintaining connections to family and friends. From Houseparty, to FaceTime to Zoom, to online shared card games, we are staying linked.

Like having to move in order to make a living, dealing with coronavirus insists on connecting. And we are in this whether we like it or not. Or, as what one of the many “sisters” I have met over the years often says when you are situations beyond your control:

WATCH GONNA DO?

A Burger Joint With A Story

By K Grieve • April 22, 2025
Winnipeg: A Burger Joint With A Story You can’t ever underestimate the influence of where and when you grew up. Childhood memories and experiences help shape our world view and create a blueprint for life. My childhood time in my hometown of Winnipeg Manitoba is certainly no exception! It is filled with positive nostalgia and yes, more than a few regrets. But this story is about fond moments and lasting impressions. Nested in the heart of Canada’s prairies, Winnipeg has recently been called one of our country’s best kept secrets (Winnipeg: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Canada). At its center lies The Forks, an historic meeting place at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. This vibrant area is alive with multiple family-friendly features from a children’s museum to funky boutiques and the Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball stadium. A focal feature of the Forks is the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Mail Girl : A Broadway Story?

By sassykg • April 8, 2024
I like to say that I started my career on Broadway. In my imagination I played Maria in West Side Story in that 1960s musical hit or Barbara Streisand in Funny Girl. Never mind the fact that I have no singing voice or any substantive acting ability. I unequivocally fantasized reading glowing reviews and waving to adoring fans. I also dreamt of growing a bust that would fit a bra size bigger than double A!! But fantasies are just that: fantasies. They often shape desires and can help us deal with reality – pleasant or otherwise.
More Posts