My next writing project involves looking back at growing up wild and free in the middle of nowhere in the 1970s and 1980s. Periodically, I’m going to be using this space to ask for your help. Like now. I posted this question yesterday on my Ironic Mom Facebook page: What weird clothing or accessories did […]
Wild Gen X Tales
I Am a Prom Cliché, circa 1989
Here is the final instalment of my three part series on my prom. Part 1 was My Prom Date; Part 2 was The Night Before Prom. The limo deposits my friends, my date, and I at a fancy downtown venue. I look up at the sign, the Marlborough Hotel, and wonder why someone named a […]
The Night Before Prom…circa 1989
This is Part 2 of my three-part series about my high school prom. For my American readers, please note that the legal drinking age in most parts of Canada is 18 (hence, I wasn’t breaking another law by imbibing). If you missed Part 1, it’s here: My Prom Date, circa 1989. Part 3 will be […]
My Prom Date, circa 1989
This is the first in a 3-day series on my high school prom. Part 2 will be posted on Thursday, and Part 3 on Friday. As a taller than average twelfth grader, my prospects for getting a date to the senior prom are grim. Options A to X: Guys who are shorter than me. Who […]
The Joy of Fessing Up
THE PREMISE Last week, I had some fun playing a blogging version of Two Truths and a Lie. If you haven’t read that post, don’t bother. But please go and read the comments. THE COMMENTS Many of my readers participated and revealed that they have: met Prince Charles had their house burn down dined with […]
Two Truths and a Lie: The Blogging Version
One of my favourite party games is Two Truths and a Lie. This could explain why I’m never invited to A-list parties, or even F-list ones. If you’re not familiar with Two Truths and a Lie, it works like this. One person offers three statements about herself, one of which is false. The other players […]
On Being a Farm Girl and a Younger Sister
Autumn 1996 I walk onto my apartment’s balcony holding the cordless phone to my ear. “So,” I tell my brother who’s taking his PhD in Agriculture in Manitoba, “I’ve signed up to take a six-week self defense workshop.” “That’s cool,” he says. “Any particular reason?” “No, not really. My friend wants to take it, and […]
Remembering School Dances and the Uncertainty of Adolescence
The 1980s I loved getting ready for school dances. My best friend, C, and I would try on outfits, style each other’s hair, and apply make-up. This was unusual for us since we were jocks. Our normal school attire consisted of jeans, sweatshirts, runners, and barrettes or ponytails. Playing dress-up was fun, even if we […]
What's in a Name?
I love name stories. The funny ones, the misunderstood ones, the weird ones. I have a lot of name stories. I’ve been Leanne Shirtliffe since the day I was born, and that same name will be etched into my tombstone one day. Life with this name is entertaining, to say the least. Here are 10 […]
School Photo Day: Remembering Kindergarten
I may not remember the last time my kids had a bath or when my van’s oil was changed, but I remember a lot about the year I was five. For whatever bizarre reason, I can still name all 25 kids in my Kindergarten class picture. And I can also remember the girl with the […]