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Abstract

g corporate events, playing with the layout of the dishes for a nice brunch, the way I arrange my Skittles in my hand. I do it all with great intention.</p><h1 id="d707">Black and White Thinker</h1><p id="5983">I am guilty of a lot of very finite thinking, except when I’m not. I’m fun like that. I tend to see things in black and white, even though grey is my favourite colour (Canadian girl, Canadian spelling).</p><p id="4cf6">I’m terrible at making minor decisions, and stress over the minutiae of almost everything. I have high expectations for the people around me, and humanity in general, and can be easily frustrated by both when they aren’t inside my head, understanding everything precisely the way I do.</p><p id="47a1">Here’s what I mean…</p><ul><li>There is a definite ‘right way’ to load a dishwasher; my way. All other ways are wrong.</li><li>I take forever to choose what I want at a restaurant because I’m always worried I will regret not choosing something else.</li><li>How are there people out there, with high school diplomas, that don't know the difference between there, their, and they’re, (or your and you’re)?</li><li>Old school movie rental stores used to overwhelm me. Now Netflix overwhelms me.</li><li>Steak should be served rare. It’s already dead, don’t kill it again by overcooking it!</li><li>I don't understand Republicans. I mean, I do. But I don’t.</li><li>Dogs are better than cats. Yeah, I said it.</li></ul><p id="dbf9">I think that’s a pretty good sampling of my crazy, no?</p><figure id="3361"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*VcrP-KJZuJlmxNwwHWsICQ.jpeg"><figcaption>Photo and dinner, cooked to perfection, courtesy of author</figcaption></figure><h1 id="6378">What Else Makes Deb Tick?</h1><ul><li><b>Dogs</b>: I am obsessed with pups, big and small. Here, just read this and you’ll understand:</li></ul><div id="2fd8" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/deb-in-bed-4-puppy-rage-ecb7d3bc495f"> <div> <div> <h2>Puppy Rage — Are You Afflicted?</h2> <div><h3>I promise I won’t punch your dog</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*[email protected])"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><ul><li><b>Sports:</b> I am a huge fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto Blue Jays…are we sensing a trend here? I yell at the TV, pace back and forth during playoffs, and go to as many games as I can. I promised my kids that the Leafs would win a cup in their lifetime…I really hope they don’t make me a liar!</li></ul><figure id="69db"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*QOi5dFhkij19Z0YZrz2BuA.jpeg"><figcaption>Go Leafs! Go Raps! Go Jays! Photos courtesy of author</figcaption></figure><ul><li><b>Being outdoors</b>: in nature, at the lake, in front of a fire, under the stars. I love camping and cottages. Even though I’m definitely a city girl, I need to escape to my happy place:</li></ul><div id="beaf" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/elemental-e0c92ffcdf48"> <div> <div> <h2>Elemental</h2> <div><h3>POETRY</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*VR1kzQLALzzda4KU0oOUbg.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><figure id="cdca"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*2teMnSY3Zwt613L2_qu9Jw.jpeg"><figcaption>Dance stretches at the cottage with my daughter, photo courtesy of author</figcaption></figure><ul><li><b>Jeopardy</b>: weekdays at 7:30pm, don’t call. I’m busy.</li><li><b>My kids</b>: they’re pretty awesome. ‘nuf said.</li></ul><h1 id="49da">What’s Next for Deb</h1><ul><li><b>Writing:</b> I’m just getting started. I’ve been on the platform for just over a month now and have churned out 17 pieces (plus this one). I write poetry, articles, personal essays, and real-life stories. I switch it up between comedic observational and introspective approaches. I have always loved writing and now I have the time to really sink my teeth into it.</li><li><b>Theatre Company:</b> When life begins to return to normal, I have every intention of opening up my own theatre company, for both kids and adults, as the various ones my crew has enjoyed are on their last legs. I also like to be in charge.</li><li><b>Travel</b>: I’ve been to Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, France, Israel, Mexico, Cuba, 31/50 American states, and 5/10 Canadian provinces. When the world opens up again, I have a long list of places to explore: Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, South Africa, Kenya, Portugal, Iceland, and Western Canada to name a few (and of course…NYC, I can’t stay away from Broadway!)</li></ul><h1 id="7a7f">Quick, end the article before she keeps talking!</h1><p id="d5b7">If I don’t stop now, we’ll be here all week!

Options

That’s me, or as much of me as I can fit into 5 minutes. I’m serious, fun, silly, focussed, scatterbrained, parental, childish, creative, logical, and all the other contradicting adjectives I didn’t mention.</p><p id="4c95">I’ll drop the links of a few more pieces below, just a little sampling of my styles. Thanks for hanging out with me today!!</p><p id="c4c8">xoxo Deb</p><figure id="8a4d"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*k6W2wbPilC0OjOownbcuhA.jpeg"><figcaption>Deb being, well, Deb. Photo courtesy of author</figcaption></figure><h2 id="5e61">POETRY</h2><div id="9b2b" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/girl-bf0abe7dd28b"> <div> <div> <h2>Girl</h2> <div><h3>POETRY</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*NAXaMGPwy7CIbj1IFuXwsw.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="6eb1" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/blades-of-grass-116e15331d02"> <div> <div> <h2>Blades of Grass</h2> <div><h3>A poem</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*8E7NdSnh48mvdzHnDhm59Q.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h2 id="ddbe">PERSONAL</h2><div id="adbb" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/deb-in-bed-3-7ae690d430d"> <div> <div> <h2>Divorcing Myself</h2> <div><h3>Sometimes we have to learn things the hard way</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*La-Hvfloi-PmRg9nhv-HRQ.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="4f91" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/5-things-no-one-tells-you-about-becoming-a-mom-or-dad-c45539acd066"> <div> <div> <h2>5 Things No One Tells You About Becoming a Mom (or Dad)</h2> <div><h3>Even the best baby books leave this stuff out!</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*KjGDtMmvLgJFrQF0i-iIAA.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h2 id="4195">INFORMATIVE</h2><div id="6ffe" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/periods-arent-blue-30083ea290b9"> <div> <div> <h2>Periods Aren’t Blue!</h2> <div><h3>Believe it or not!</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*EEXRsqMXl1jn9NnDKQCpwg.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="b1b5" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/how-a-new-age-philosophy-cured-my-road-rage-4f3fffc579fd"> <div> <div> <h2>How a New Age Philosophy Cured My Road Rage</h2> <div><h3>Applying the law of attraction to my daily commute</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*R7sd95nQ8suWE66v_tixqg.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="4320" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/how-to-understand-your-grief-650e3fb18a49"> <div> <div> <h2>How to Understand Your Grief</h2> <div><h3>Navigating from loss to living</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*SCdiHoQf-CgFgAtpmYl3Cg.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><h2 id="f397">DEB’S PERSONAL FAVOURITE</h2><div id="63cb" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/the-house-of-hamster-horror-5230509afc5b"> <div> <div> <h2>The House of Hamster Horror</h2> <div><h3>Essential reading before purchasing an off-brand rat</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*oRTTnHk5mr9Uoa22pIQFzw.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div></article></body>

About Me — Deborah Weir

Third time’s a charm

This is my third attempt at writing this piece, as I can't seem to get it under 15 minutes…Even I don't want to hear that much about myself! Yes, I just used up 12.5 seconds making you read this first part — if you're going to learn about me, you should learn early that I talk. A lot.

I have to forego the life story because we’d be here forever. Here’s the top-line stuff:

Number three out of four kids. Full-blown middle child syndrome. But otherwise, incredibly loving and supportive family. My brothers and sister are some of my best friends, and my mom is my hero. My dad, a truly brilliant but quiet man, passed away in January of 2020.
Born, raised, and still live in Toronto (one of the suburbs). Only left the city to go to university, but came back, as most Toronto kids do.
Spent almost a decade in university completing degrees in Kinesiology and Occupational Therapy. Neither of which I use anymore. But I love science!
Was with my husband for 20 years; 6 dating, 14 married. Got a couple of kids out of the deal; a daughter in 2007, and a son in 2009.
Divorced in 2017, still friends and live a minute away from each other. Each of us living with long-term partners and never been happier.
Known for my big smile, bigger hair, and even bigger mouth!
There are people in this world that have called me Debbie immediately after I introduce myself as Deb. Please don't be one of those people.
I was on The Price is Right. I won a lot of really useless crap but being Canadian, they gave me cash value for everything! It was a good day!
My mother tongues are swearing and sarcasm. I’ll keep it clean-ish here though, because, y’know, time and place.

OK, now that you've got the basics, let’s dig in, shall we?

Deb = Passion, Passion = Deb

To quote one of my own stories:

I am a deep feeler. I have been accused, perhaps playfully, perhaps accurately, of being compulsively, tragically, and scarily passionate.

(Puppy Rage, Deborah Weir, 2021)

This is me in a nutshell. Whatever I feel, I feel so deeply that it takes over. My reactions to losing a sock and dropping my phone in the toilet are the same. My boyfriend calls me animated. I’m ok with that. If you're not going to go all-in, why play?

So, time to get to know the real me. Here’s what I am most passionate about:

Dance and Theatre

I have been dancing and performing my entire life. Growing up, my dance studio was my second home, taking every style of dance they offered. I continued through university, and then, after having kids, found my tribe of like-minded people. Adults, with normal jobs and families, who are also performers. (It’s also where I happened to meet the love of my life; my partner, Jack).

I am a part of a large, and incredibly close group of people who have been doing community theatre in Toronto for the past 10 or so years. We put on musicals and variety shows several times a year, and we have some very talented singers.

I love to sing and act, but I am definitely not known for my voice. What makes me stand out among the crowd is dance. I’m 42 and can still high-kick myself in the face, not too shabby!

I have also been the choreographer for one theatre company for seven years (pre-pandemic of course) and was the director of the children’s division of another company for four years.

Music

Music is life! Being a dancer, it’s no surprise that most music evokes a lot of emotion in me. There is a song for every mood, every moment. I have fairly eclectic musical preferences. My go-to is classic rock, nothing beats the bands of the late 60s to the late 70s. Queen has been my favourite band since I was about 11. But I’m also a huge fan of 60s folk, 80s pop, 90s grunge…I could be here a while. I’m one of those people that say “everything except country and rap” (Except I’m a big fan of Eminem!). I should stop now.

Everything Else Creative

I love everything creative, so writing was an obvious joy for me. Making something out of nothing is pretty incredible. Manipulating language to convert your innermost thoughts, your wildest ideas…it’s so freeing!

I use creativity anywhere I can; coming up with unique and fun birthday parties for the kids, planning corporate events, playing with the layout of the dishes for a nice brunch, the way I arrange my Skittles in my hand. I do it all with great intention.

Black and White Thinker

I am guilty of a lot of very finite thinking, except when I’m not. I’m fun like that. I tend to see things in black and white, even though grey is my favourite colour (Canadian girl, Canadian spelling).

I’m terrible at making minor decisions, and stress over the minutiae of almost everything. I have high expectations for the people around me, and humanity in general, and can be easily frustrated by both when they aren’t inside my head, understanding everything precisely the way I do.

Here’s what I mean…

There is a definite ‘right way’ to load a dishwasher; my way. All other ways are wrong.
I take forever to choose what I want at a restaurant because I’m always worried I will regret not choosing something else.
How are there people out there, with high school diplomas, that don't know the difference between there, their, and they’re, (or your and you’re)?
Old school movie rental stores used to overwhelm me. Now Netflix overwhelms me.
Steak should be served rare. It’s already dead, don’t kill it again by overcooking it!
I don't understand Republicans. I mean, I do. But I don’t.
Dogs are better than cats. Yeah, I said it.

I think that’s a pretty good sampling of my crazy, no?

Photo and dinner, cooked to perfection, courtesy of author

What Else Makes Deb Tick?

Dogs: I am obsessed with pups, big and small. Here, just read this and you’ll understand:

Puppy Rage — Are You Afflicted?

I promise I won’t punch your dog

medium.com

Sports: I am a huge fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto Blue Jays…are we sensing a trend here? I yell at the TV, pace back and forth during playoffs, and go to as many games as I can. I promised my kids that the Leafs would win a cup in their lifetime…I really hope they don’t make me a liar!

Go Leafs! Go Raps! Go Jays! Photos courtesy of author

Being outdoors: in nature, at the lake, in front of a fire, under the stars. I love camping and cottages. Even though I’m definitely a city girl, I need to escape to my happy place:

Elemental

POETRY

medium.com

Dance stretches at the cottage with my daughter, photo courtesy of author

Jeopardy: weekdays at 7:30pm, don’t call. I’m busy.
My kids: they’re pretty awesome. ‘nuf said.

What’s Next for Deb

Writing: I’m just getting started. I’ve been on the platform for just over a month now and have churned out 17 pieces (plus this one). I write poetry, articles, personal essays, and real-life stories. I switch it up between comedic observational and introspective approaches. I have always loved writing and now I have the time to really sink my teeth into it.
Theatre Company: When life begins to return to normal, I have every intention of opening up my own theatre company, for both kids and adults, as the various ones my crew has enjoyed are on their last legs. I also like to be in charge.
Travel: I’ve been to Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, France, Israel, Mexico, Cuba, 31/50 American states, and 5/10 Canadian provinces. When the world opens up again, I have a long list of places to explore: Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, South Africa, Kenya, Portugal, Iceland, and Western Canada to name a few (and of course…NYC, I can’t stay away from Broadway!)

Quick, end the article before she keeps talking!

If I don’t stop now, we’ll be here all week! That’s me, or as much of me as I can fit into 5 minutes. I’m serious, fun, silly, focussed, scatterbrained, parental, childish, creative, logical, and all the other contradicting adjectives I didn’t mention.

I’ll drop the links of a few more pieces below, just a little sampling of my styles. Thanks for hanging out with me today!!

xoxo Deb

Deb being, well, Deb. Photo courtesy of author