yoga, writing, cooking, and whatever else catches my fancy
Tuesday was election day in Denmark. Across the country, 2,432 municipal council seats and 134 regional counsel seats (representing 98 municipalities and four regions) were decided — with thousands of candidates standing for office.
Seriously, the ballot for our municipality (kommune in Danish) was massive. Very different from ballots in Canada or the UK.
Continue reading “The drama and routine of Danish elections”
My consumption of short pieces has dropped substantially since completing my Post-Graduate Diploma in Creative Writing a couple years back. Makes sense as I’m no longer required to keep a reading journal and critically evaluate short-form pieces. I’ve also slowed (maybe even halted?) my own fiction writing, meaning I’m no longer prowling publications I might want to submit to — and seeing other people’s writing.
But I have collected a few short bits to share over the last few months. There’s no theme tying these together, just pieces I’ve liked.
Continue reading “Selected short reading (vol. 8)”
I could not have predicted the tempest in a teapot arising from an article I wrote about a local bookshop accidentally receiving a shipment meant for Kenya. Last Week in Denmark’s social media team posted it on Facebook (link to the post below) and the comments started rolling in.
Most of them positive, but, of course, it’s the negative ones that stung and stick in my mind. I’ve had adverse interactions before on Facebook that were much ruder (which is a huge reason why I don’t use Facebook much anymore). It’s a relief none of the comments were misogynistic or deeply unpleasant, they were just keyboard warrior fare.
Continue reading “Misdirected books and social media melodrama”
Like most suburban kids, I grew up riding a bike (photo of Little Laura and her big glasses below for proof!). Then periodically cycled to friends’ houses and school and things as a teenager. And promptly forgot all about all things bike-related after moving to Edmonton for university.
When we lived in North Vancouver, Tony and I counted several strong cyclists amongst our close friends. Those friends and a truely awesome bike shop (shout out to Obsession: Bikes) prompted me to get a serious bicycle, complete with clip-in pedals (which proved to be the bane of my cycling existence) and proper kit. (If you look closely the jersey in the photo of me and my Trek on the Lions Gate Bridge says “North Shore Triathlon Club”, which is how we were introduced to the aforementioned strong cyclists we still call friends).
Continue reading “It’s just like riding a bike”
It’s election day in Canada!
Somewhat sadly, I’ll miss out on actually going to the polls as I mailed my ballot from Denmark a while ago. Assuming PostNord and Canada Post have done their work, my vote is in Ottawa, where it will be counted alongside ones from other international electors, those serving in the military, and people voting from outside their electoral districts (all of whom submit what are known as ‘special ballots’).
Continue reading “Belonging and the ballot”Before the current administration imposed tariffs on Canadian goods (and those from Mexico and China) and President Trump took to calling Prime Minister Trudeau ‘Governor’ (and threatening to make Canada, Greenland, and Panama part of the States), I wanted to create some distance from the US. Initially, my motivation was related to gun violence and then to the first Trump presidency—and now there’s even more reason to stay away and spend money elsewhere.
Here’s how I’ve been voting with my dollars over the last few years and how I’m stepping up avoiding US-based goods and services. It takes effort and mindfulness and I am not absolutist in my approach (well, other than bourbon, Levis, and Harley Davidson). I’m not suggesting my self-imposed limits are right for anyone else (case in point: my other half sometimes enjoys a little bourbon) or judging others’ purchasing decisions (loving Tar-jay or Val-de-Mart is not something to feel guilty about), but making thoughtful choices makes me feel a tiny bit better about the state of the world and my role in it.
Continue reading “Ducking the US”Part of the relocation package when we’ve moved with Tony’s work is a place to live upon arrival. This not only gives us somewhere to lay our heads, but also facilitates the necessary immigration admin like registering with local authorities (essential for Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark), getting set up with bank accounts, and all the rest.
When we moved to Switzerland and the UK, the company provided temporary accommodation (basically an Airbnb) for a month. The apartments are furnished (interior designers for such corporate housing tend to be fans of faux leather sofas) and include the basics (bedding and towels, rudimentary kitchen equipment, a TV), but lack any sense of homeyness.
With this move to Denmark, we get three months accommodation, which is great—and a long time to live somewhere relatively soul-less.
After a few relocations, we’ve learnt to pack a few beyond-basic items that make everyday life more comfortable. Here’s what we brought this time around…
Continue reading “Making 180 days more comfy”