Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Coming to Dinner?? Debbie Underhill

This is the second in a series of informal mini-introductions coming up over the next couple of weeks to keep the upcoming Dinner with 12 Strangers top of mind with you.

Debbie Underhill graduated in '79 from the Admin. Studies program. These days she is a National Sales Manager for Houghton Mifflin (Canada) an educational publishing division of Nelson Education.

Debbie is thinking that it might be better to try to organise Dinner on a week night, what about you?

Hey Debbie, I see that a Houghton Mifflin author is award winning?? Does this mean autographed copies of Julia Whitty's The Fragile Edge, this year’s recipient of the John Burroughs Medal ?? :)

The goal of these intros is start the process of building our network in Toronto (use it or lose!).

Who are the folks that you are still in touch with from the Mount?? Have an email for them? Contact them now, even if they are not in Toronto, maybe they know another Mount Alum who does live in Toronto? Don't have an email address? Google them or look them up on Facebook or http://www.linkedin.com/ . Have them go grab the RSS feed or subscribe to the email list at the blog: http://msvutorontoalumnae.blogspot.com/ or send me an email at mgcayley (at) hotmail (dot) com.



If you are interested in being a contributing author to this blog, please leave a comment and we will be in touch!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Who Might Be Coming to Dinner??

Everyone is reminded that we will be zeroing in on a date to have our first Dinner With 12 Strangers. We had a good early response when we announced the plan before Christmas.

To get the ball rolling on the goal, which is the introduce us all to our network in Toronto (use it or lose!), and to encourage you to send an email to remind any MSVU alum that you know ... I asked the early responders to drop me back a note that I could share ...

Introducing - Dr. Jacqueline Karsemeyer

"I did the Med Program at the Mount, in 93-94. The experience was extremely positive, and stands above others in my academic journey. I had returned to school in my 40’s, as mother of 2 children. The particular attention given to building community and the understanding of women who were also raising children were highlights.

The invitation to grads to bring their families to thank them for their support in our studies had me in tears. It acknowledged the sacrifices they made. I know that personal encouragement can be the tipping point to pursuits in all undertakings. Alumni have the arena to serve others in this way.

Following the Mount, I did a Bed at UofT, and a PhD at OISE/UT completed in 2000. I taught in TDSB, and moved into a special education leadership role for which my practicum at the Mount was foundational.

Presently I have been seconded to ETFO (Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario) as executive assistant, equity and women’s services. This builds on my lifelong experience in these areas. Immersion in the arts keeps my imagination alive in the context of large institutions. West African dance literally keeps my feet on the ground."

Hmmm ... perhaps a little West African dance music for the iPod please?? Thank you for responding Dr. Karsemayer.

This is the first in a series of informal mini-introductions coming up over the next couple of weeks to keep the upcoming Dinner with 12 Strangers top of mind with you.

Who are the folks that you are still in touch with from the Mount?? Have an email for them? Contact them now, even if they are not in Toronto, maybe they know another Mount Alum who does live in Toronto? Don't have an email address? Google them or look them up on Facebook or http://www.linkedin.com/ .

Have them go grab the RSS feed or subscribe to the email list at the blog: http://msvutorontoalumnae.blogspot.com/ or send me an email at mgcayley (at) hotmail (dot) com.



If you are interested in being a contributing author to this blog, please leave a comment and we will be in touch!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

What is eaten in one week - in different countries (content & $$$)

Taken from an email sent to me.

Italy: The Manzo family of Sicily Food expenditure for one week: 214.36 Euros or $260.11


Germany: The Melander family of Bargteheide Food expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07

United States : The Revis family of North Carolina Food expenditure for one week $341.98
Mexico: The Casales family of CuernavacaFood expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09
Poland: The Sobczynscy family of Konstancin-JeziornaFood expenditure for one week: 582.48 Zlotys or $151.27

Egypt: The Ahmed family of Cairo Food expenditure for one week: 387.85 Egyptian Pounds or $68.53

Ecuador: The Ayme family of TingoFood expenditure for one week: $31.55
Bhutan: The Namgay family of Shingkhey VillageFood expenditure for one week: 224.93 ngultrum or $5.03
Chad: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23


Don't know about you, but right about now, I'm counting my blessings!


Just in case you need to think of something new to be thankful for...


If you are interested in being a contributing author to this blog, please leave a comment and we will be in touch!