Communication Skills Archive

Here’s To You, Kid

Posted on April 30, 2012.

When I read Maggie Lamond Simone’s post last week I startled the dog by snorting out loud. It was so spot on, the humbling realization that she’s become her own mother when it comes to mothering. I’ve had the self-same realization numerous times over the past few months. My girl is growing fast and at [...]

Microbicides 2012: Switching Sex Up for Safety

Posted on April 23, 2012.

Last week was Microbicides 2012, an international conference of researchers and advocates that met in Sydney. If you’re scratching your head wondering what a microbicide is, fair enough. They are gels, suppositories, or insertable devices that contain HIV fighting compounds. They will put HIV prevention choices in the hands of women and men for situations [...]

It’s not the Same as Books, But….

Posted on March 26, 2012.

Last week my friend Sharon came into town for a dentist appointment- she has a good one she can’t leave even though she’s moved a ferry ride away. Sharon has four kids under age ten, but she came alone and thus a little giddy. My kids were out of town, so off we went to [...]

Speak No Evil

Posted on March 12, 2012.

Update March 16: Utah bans the ban! (Insert cheer). But it may not be over yet…. The past week was a lively one in the US, what with Utah busy banning sex education and determining a difficult future for their youth. Nothing like laying the groundwork for glory. This despite research that says sex education [...]

Happy International Women’s Day!

Posted on March 8, 2012.

Happy International Women’s Day! Today we honour the work of generations who have made change to make our world what it is today. And today we celebrate the work we’re all doing to make things better for the women of tomorrow. There is still a lot to take on- gender violence, equal rights, cultural “norms” [...]

New Darling, New Delights – When Do You Bring Up Safe Sex?

Posted on March 5, 2012.

My coworker Monique at Positive Women’s Network wrote a great piece about HIV disclosure a couple of weeks back. She’s been living with HIV for a long time, and while most of her friends know, it’s something else again when she has to think about telling someone she might have sex with. Her ethics are [...]

Are You Too Old For Sex Education?

Posted on January 16, 2012.

While this piece is a few months old, its topic is fresh and troubling: a safe sex education session for adults over 60 was cancelled due to lack of interest. Given that those over 60 are still having lots of sex and enjoying it, it’s not like such a session isn’t necessary. Big Little Wolf [...]

Holiday favourites (Beyond Chocolate)

Posted on December 26, 2011.

No in depth blog this week as I’m too hyped up on chocolate and shortbread (so lucky a friend came through. My shortbread making skills are non-existent). I’m also relaxing with the family – losing at Yahtzee, to be honest. If you want some good reading as you sip your tea (my poison’s coffee) or [...]