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Michelle Jobin

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The Blue Jays, my Dad, and Me

Michelle Jobin October 26, 2015

The 2015 season for the Toronto Blue Jays was a thing of beauty. Filled with  moments of pure exhilaration (bat flip!), camaraderie both amongst fans and the team itself, nail-biting anticipation, and sadly, a heartbreaker of a loss to end the year, so close to clinching the ALCS. It was a hell of a ride for all of us, but it was particularly meaningful to me.

Growing up, sports factored heavily into my life, mostly because of my Dad. A gifted athlete and an avid spectator, it was through him I learned about hockey, football, baseball and more. I spent many hours at rinks and diamonds watching him or my brother play, and in turn he was a regular fixture at my softball and soccer games. He helped coach my brother's little league team, and taught us fair play while also encouraging us to be more sure of ourselves.

Sports were always on when Dad was home. The sounds of the Leafs on Hockey Night in Canada or a Jays' game on the TV will always be soothing to me because of this. Some of my happiest memories are of going to Blue Jays games with him. We'd always get hot dogs on the way into the Dome (they were better than at the concession inside), and I would always bring my glove, just in case I had a shot at catching a fly ball. One year I won tickets in a raffle and was so proud that I could bring my Dad to a game. Hot dogs were still on him though, of course. 

Time marched on, as it does, and this past March I gave birth to my son. My Dad's first grandchild. He was definitely looking forward to being a grandpa, and I was looking forward to watching him teach my son to skate the way he had taught me, or playing catch with him in the backyard.  

Proud Grandpa: my dad with my son Archer in May

Proud Grandpa: my dad with my son Archer in May

But it didn't work out that way.

The week my son was born, Dad became ill. A sinus and throat infection, a bad cough, we thought. A nasty virus, perhaps? But when it didn't go away, and things got much, much worse, tests eventually revealed the that he had lung cancer. Initially he tried to conceal just how bad things were - late stage, metastatic NSCLC. Because of course, being my Dad, he didn't want to upset me. And in my postpartum haze....or perhaps it was just denial, I honestly thought a round of treatment would fix things...at least for a while. After all, he was only 66. There was so much living still to be done.

But things moved alarmingly fast in the wrong direction. By the end of June, Dad was very sick. He spent the week surrounding Canada Day in the hospital, and once he was out most of his time on the couch or in bed. This meant even more time to watch the Blue Jays play an increasingly exciting season. He never said this, but it seemed more than ever watching the games were a source of entertainment, a distraction or a place of refuge from what was a terrible reality of symptoms and side effects. Still, I kept hoping he would get better, and once again we could go to a game together.

In late September, Dad was admitted to the hospital for the third time. Breathing had become extremely difficult for him. I spent as much of that week there with him that I could. I remember he was wearing a Blue Jays t-shirt during that time, eschewing the standard issue robe, as was totally his way. He hated being a patient. Sports would be on the TV all day, and with the way things were going for the Jays, their games featured heavily. We would chat about their progress. I almost feel embarrassed that much of my conversation with him that week was that kind of small talk. I suppose I was being the hopeful optimist and didn't want to scare either of us by talking about what we feared might be true.

My Dad passed away on a beautifully sunny early fall morning, just an hour or so after my brother had managed to fly in from California. I can still say honestly that it took me by surprise, despite how things had been going. The next few days were a blur of family, well wishers, arrangements, tearful episodes, and sharing good memories. On the day of his funeral, the Blue Jays hammered the Orioles 15 - 2, which I thought was rather fitting salute (sorry, Baltimore).

In the month since then, I continued to follow Toronto's very formidable run at the World Series. Like so many fans, I was swept up in the excitement, and hoped that we'd once again be champions. It was such a rush right through October, with nail-bitingly awesome series against both the Rangers and the Royals that brought happiness to all that were following. But I had my own reasons for not wanting this season to end for my team. As long as we kept winning, it was as if reality didn't have to sink in for me. In a way, it was like my Dad was still here. But one way or another, like it or not, it would seem that all things really must end. And end they did with a gut-wrenching loss in Kansas City on Friday night. Although my heart sank like a stone as Josh Donaldson grounded out to third in game 6 of the ACLS, I couldn't help but manage a smile as well. Because what an incredible season it had been - full of incredible highs and lows, and wonderful memories. 

So thanks guys, for playing your guts out for all of us. But especially for keeping my Dad company. 

Jose Bautista and the awesomely famous bat flip. Photograph: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Jose Bautista and the awesomely famous bat flip. Photograph: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Lung Cancer is one of Canada's most prolific killers. It is lacking research and the funding for it, likely because of the stigma that exists surrounding this disease. Not all smokers get lung cancer, and not everyone that gets lung cancer smoked. Please educate yourself about this disease and its risk factors here. If you wish, donations toward research programs can be made here. 

 

 

 

In family Tags Michelle Jobin, Blue Jays, Toronto, Dad
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Fitness. Health and Wellness. Travel. Food & Beverage. Fashion. Film. Music. All of the good things in life (to me, at least). 

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart) 
Photo by @vanessaheins
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart) Photo by @vanessaheins
If you know me, you know that I truly believe that love can be expressed through chocolate. So this year, in celebration of Galentine’s Day, I decided to whip up a little something special for the ladies in my life that I truly love. Now - if you aren’t familiar with Galentine’s Day, it is the unofficial holiday marked on February 13th where women celebrate their female friendships. Because we all know how truly important our gal pals can be in our lives. So if you are having a little Galentine’s brunch celebration, why not whip up a batch of these Heart Shaped Chocolate Sea Salt Ice Cream Sandwiches with a delicious layer of @greenandblacks chocolate, which happens to be organic, (because you know the best way to show you care is to use the GOOD chocolate, my loves.) And really - why not go the extra step further and make these on Valentine’s Day too…or PALentine’s Day (really just to celebrate whomever you love, whenever!) or just any old day. These babies are gluten free (if that’s your thing), chocolate-y and delicious. You can use any kind of ice cream your lil’ heart desires - and if you want to make that yourself too, GOOD FOR YOU - and any kind of Green & Black’s Chocolate you want! 
Here’s the recipe! Tag the wonderful people you are celebrating this Galentine’s Day - and hey, maybe make these for them! 
1/4 cup Green & Blacks Cocoa Powder
1 cup gluten free flour 
1/2 cup almond flour
1 pinch kosher salt
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
flaky sea salt to sprinkle on cookies
Ice Cream of your choice (I used Vanilla Bean)
1 bar of Green & Black’s chocolate, chopped (a little uneven, but small pieces is best) 
Method:
preheat oven to 350 F/ 175 C
mix together first four (dry) ingredients
cream together butter and sugar together and add vanilla. Mix until thoroughly combined
chill dough for an hour
dust work surface with more flour, roll out dough until 1/2 cm thick and cut into heart shaped with cookie cutter. 
bake for 12 minutes 
allow to cool, then assemble: cookie, ice cream, chocolate pieces, ice cream, cookie. I found using the cookie cutter as a mould helps.
If you know me, you know that I truly believe that love can be expressed through chocolate. So this year, in celebration of Galentine’s Day, I decided to whip up a little something special for the ladies in my life that I truly love. Now - if you aren’t familiar with Galentine’s Day, it is the unofficial holiday marked on February 13th where women celebrate their female friendships. Because we all know how truly important our gal pals can be in our lives. So if you are having a little Galentine’s brunch celebration, why not whip up a batch of these Heart Shaped Chocolate Sea Salt Ice Cream Sandwiches with a delicious layer of @greenandblacks chocolate, which happens to be organic, (because you know the best way to show you care is to use the GOOD chocolate, my loves.) And really - why not go the extra step further and make these on Valentine’s Day too…or PALentine’s Day (really just to celebrate whomever you love, whenever!) or just any old day. These babies are gluten free (if that’s your thing), chocolate-y and delicious. You can use any kind of ice cream your lil’ heart desires - and if you want to make that yourself too, GOOD FOR YOU - and any kind of Green & Black’s Chocolate you want! Here’s the recipe! Tag the wonderful people you are celebrating this Galentine’s Day - and hey, maybe make these for them! 1/4 cup Green & Blacks Cocoa Powder 1 cup gluten free flour 1/2 cup almond flour 1 pinch kosher salt 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp butter (room temperature) 1/2 cup coconut sugar 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract flaky sea salt to sprinkle on cookies Ice Cream of your choice (I used Vanilla Bean) 1 bar of Green & Black’s chocolate, chopped (a little uneven, but small pieces is best) Method: preheat oven to 350 F/ 175 C mix together first four (dry) ingredients cream together butter and sugar together and add vanilla. Mix until thoroughly combined chill dough for an hour dust work surface with more flour, roll out dough until 1/2 cm thick and cut into heart shaped with cookie cutter. bake for 12 minutes allow to cool, then assemble: cookie, ice cream, chocolate pieces, ice cream, cookie. I found using the cookie cutter as a mould helps.
Today might just be the day that I decided that I am officially over winter. (There’s still a long way to go until it’s over though. Sorry groundhogs. And everyone else.) My mind has fast forwarded to spring and summer. If you’re like me and are spending these cold, dull days planning your warm weather wardrobe, then @Saks Toronto has just the thing for you. Their Contemporary Women’s Denim Event runs from February 7th - 10th and you can get up to $150 off brands like Frame, Paige, AG, Rag & Bone/Jean, Seven For All Mankind, Current/Elliot, Hudson and more. Here’s how it works:
•Receive $25 off when you spend $150+
•Receive $75 off when you spend $300+
•Receive $150 off when you spend $500+

Plus one of their stylists can help you pick out the pair that is perfect for YOU, just like they did for me (thanks @lindsayloujennings!) And there’s a great little gift bag with treats from these great brands when you make a purchase during the event. So what are you waiting for?  I’ll be here, dreaming of summer. Photo by @visualbass, makeup by @nikkistrachanmakeup, hair by @rubyelectrahair. #SaksStyle
Today might just be the day that I decided that I am officially over winter. (There’s still a long way to go until it’s over though. Sorry groundhogs. And everyone else.) My mind has fast forwarded to spring and summer. If you’re like me and are spending these cold, dull days planning your warm weather wardrobe, then @Saks Toronto has just the thing for you. Their Contemporary Women’s Denim Event runs from February 7th - 10th and you can get up to $150 off brands like Frame, Paige, AG, Rag & Bone/Jean, Seven For All Mankind, Current/Elliot, Hudson and more. Here’s how it works: •Receive $25 off when you spend $150+ •Receive $75 off when you spend $300+ •Receive $150 off when you spend $500+ Plus one of their stylists can help you pick out the pair that is perfect for YOU, just like they did for me (thanks @lindsayloujennings!) And there’s a great little gift bag with treats from these great brands when you make a purchase during the event. So what are you waiting for?  I’ll be here, dreaming of summer. Photo by @visualbass, makeup by @nikkistrachanmakeup, hair by @rubyelectrahair. #SaksStyle
It’s always interesting to see yourself through someone else’s eyes - especially when that someone knows you better than anyone else in the world. My wonderfully talented husband @visualbass has been doing a portrait series entirely in silhouette over the past month. (He’s photographed a fascinating and beautiful group of people, so be sure to check them all out on his profile.) Usually when we do a photo session, I will admit that I go in with a very specific thing in mind that I want to achieve, which can drive him nuts. I can’t help it - I like to be in control (especially of my own image) and it’s an interesting give and take because we both work in visually creative fields). But this time I just let him do his thing, and I love the result. #silhouetteportrait Photo by @visualbass ♥️
It’s always interesting to see yourself through someone else’s eyes - especially when that someone knows you better than anyone else in the world. My wonderfully talented husband @visualbass has been doing a portrait series entirely in silhouette over the past month. (He’s photographed a fascinating and beautiful group of people, so be sure to check them all out on his profile.) Usually when we do a photo session, I will admit that I go in with a very specific thing in mind that I want to achieve, which can drive him nuts. I can’t help it - I like to be in control (especially of my own image) and it’s an interesting give and take because we both work in visually creative fields). But this time I just let him do his thing, and I love the result. #silhouetteportrait Photo by @visualbass ♥️
This guy. Making winter (and everything else) a million times more fun since 2015. Photo by @visualbass
This guy. Making winter (and everything else) a million times more fun since 2015. Photo by @visualbass
One year ago, I shared my story of how at times I have struggled with depression, anxiety and difficulties focusing and how that has affected my life. I mentioned that despite the tougher times, communication has helped me and that I felt that I was in a very positive place. Sharing my story was uplifting for me, but even more importantly it connected me to many people that said hearing my story made them feel less alone. That meant so much to me and still does  I was so happy to think that I could show that things can and do get better. Then - a few months later, I had a miscarriage - and one that came with lasting implications for my health. Now that was one hell of a curveball that I was not expecting, and it knocked me right over. Big time. And for a while, I felt really down. For me, what helped was not only the immense support of my close family and friends, but the incredibly kind people that took time to listen me once I was ready to talk and even shared their stories. You all made me feel so much less alone, and that means the world to me. Of course it all still hurts at times, but I have healed and we have healed as a family - and the fact that I can say that is a huge reminder of some very important things. Mental health, like physical health requires daily maintenance (think about that for a second) so we need to give it our attention. And even then, when you do your best, life can throw some pretty intense stuff at you. That's why it's incredibly important to not just to talk to someone you trust when things don't feel right (because it CAN help) but to really, really listen to one another.  After a year of ups and downs I can say that I am healthy, happy and can once again post a photo where I am smiling - and mean it. Things can and do get better. #bellletstalk #endthestigma #mentalhealthawareness (Photo by @visualbass, hair and makeup by @millyjmakeup)
One year ago, I shared my story of how at times I have struggled with depression, anxiety and difficulties focusing and how that has affected my life. I mentioned that despite the tougher times, communication has helped me and that I felt that I was in a very positive place. Sharing my story was uplifting for me, but even more importantly it connected me to many people that said hearing my story made them feel less alone. That meant so much to me and still does I was so happy to think that I could show that things can and do get better. Then - a few months later, I had a miscarriage - and one that came with lasting implications for my health. Now that was one hell of a curveball that I was not expecting, and it knocked me right over. Big time. And for a while, I felt really down. For me, what helped was not only the immense support of my close family and friends, but the incredibly kind people that took time to listen me once I was ready to talk and even shared their stories. You all made me feel so much less alone, and that means the world to me. Of course it all still hurts at times, but I have healed and we have healed as a family - and the fact that I can say that is a huge reminder of some very important things. Mental health, like physical health requires daily maintenance (think about that for a second) so we need to give it our attention. And even then, when you do your best, life can throw some pretty intense stuff at you. That's why it's incredibly important to not just to talk to someone you trust when things don't feel right (because it CAN help) but to really, really listen to one another. After a year of ups and downs I can say that I am healthy, happy and can once again post a photo where I am smiling - and mean it. Things can and do get better. #bellletstalk #endthestigma #mentalhealthawareness (Photo by @visualbass, hair and makeup by @millyjmakeup)
There is nothing that beats the energy you feel watching a @raptors game. The team, the fans, the game - it’s such an amazing experience, and I always look forward to it. For me (this shouldn’t be a surprise at all) food is always a seriously big part of my game time ritual, whether I’m watching the game live at Scotiabank Arena or from home.  @Sobeys is as serious about food as I am, and  a proud partner of the Raptors. They want you to show off What Food Can Do to power your game day by giving you the opportunity to win the Ultimate Scotiabank Arena Suite experience.  Here’s how it works:

Share your game day food rituals with us for a chance to watch a Toronto Raptors game from a private suite at the Scotiabank Arena that has been transformed into YOUR living room. (Seriously? Seriously!! They can do that.) To enter: Snap a photo of your game day meal. Share to Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook (for more chances to win, do all three!) with the hashtag #WhatFoodCanDo and #Contest, and tag @Sobeys and @raptors Now that is one incredible fan experience! Check out the link in my bio for more details.  #WhatFoodCanDo *sponsored // Photo: @visualbass
There is nothing that beats the energy you feel watching a @raptors game. The team, the fans, the game - it’s such an amazing experience, and I always look forward to it. For me (this shouldn’t be a surprise at all) food is always a seriously big part of my game time ritual, whether I’m watching the game live at Scotiabank Arena or from home. @Sobeys is as serious about food as I am, and a proud partner of the Raptors. They want you to show off What Food Can Do to power your game day by giving you the opportunity to win the Ultimate Scotiabank Arena Suite experience. Here’s how it works: Share your game day food rituals with us for a chance to watch a Toronto Raptors game from a private suite at the Scotiabank Arena that has been transformed into YOUR living room. (Seriously? Seriously!! They can do that.) To enter: Snap a photo of your game day meal. Share to Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook (for more chances to win, do all three!) with the hashtag #WhatFoodCanDo and #Contest, and tag @Sobeys and @raptors Now that is one incredible fan experience! Check out the link in my bio for more details. #WhatFoodCanDo *sponsored // Photo: @visualbass
Can’t wait to spend the weekend with these two. Photo by @vanessaheins
Can’t wait to spend the weekend with these two. Photo by @vanessaheins
Turns out green is still my colour! It felt great to be a part of the incredible team at @yourmorning today and delivering Canada’s weather forecast. I’ll be back on-air tomorrow and through the end of next week while Kelsey is away having a much-deserved vacation. Thanks to her and everyone here for being so awesome, and to @nikkistrachanmakeup @keisha_will & @ericaonfashion for making me look my best, even in the wee hours of the morning. Photo by @johnpaulricchio #yourmorning
Turns out green is still my colour! It felt great to be a part of the incredible team at @yourmorning today and delivering Canada’s weather forecast. I’ll be back on-air tomorrow and through the end of next week while Kelsey is away having a much-deserved vacation. Thanks to her and everyone here for being so awesome, and to @nikkistrachanmakeup @keisha_will & @ericaonfashion for making me look my best, even in the wee hours of the morning. Photo by @johnpaulricchio #yourmorning
Even on the coldest days, adventures with these two warm my heart.
Even on the coldest days, adventures with these two warm my heart.
We’re halfway through January now, and I’ll bet that you’ve seen a lot of those “new year, new me’ posts by now. Personally, I’m not big into those kind of resolutions, partially because there is something that feels a little arbitrary about January 1st being the day that I need to change everything. 
Also, I don't want to change everything. I try to not be an all-or-nothing kind of person.  But I will say this, by the time the holidays are over, even though my brain is saying YES MORE WINE AND CHOCOLATE, my body is definitely craving a little balance. (I'm sure many of you can relate.) Because getting enough good quality protein in my diet has become a priority for me for many reasons (see link in my bio for more on that) I try to find creative ways to make that happen every day so I feel my best. For example, here I chopped up a @SimplyProteinCanada Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Strawberry Nut & Fruit bar as a topping that only feels indulgent (but isn’t) for my coconut yogurt and berries combo. This gives me an extra 8g of plant based protein and 7g of fibre. Now that’s a breakfast that will fuel you right whatever your plans for the day - whether it’s daydreaming in your jammies or getting out there to conquer the world. #MySimply #WellnessPartner photo by @visualbass
We’re halfway through January now, and I’ll bet that you’ve seen a lot of those “new year, new me’ posts by now. Personally, I’m not big into those kind of resolutions, partially because there is something that feels a little arbitrary about January 1st being the day that I need to change everything. Also, I don't want to change everything. I try to not be an all-or-nothing kind of person.  But I will say this, by the time the holidays are over, even though my brain is saying YES MORE WINE AND CHOCOLATE, my body is definitely craving a little balance. (I'm sure many of you can relate.) Because getting enough good quality protein in my diet has become a priority for me for many reasons (see link in my bio for more on that) I try to find creative ways to make that happen every day so I feel my best. For example, here I chopped up a @SimplyProteinCanada Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Strawberry Nut & Fruit bar as a topping that only feels indulgent (but isn’t) for my coconut yogurt and berries combo. This gives me an extra 8g of plant based protein and 7g of fibre. Now that’s a breakfast that will fuel you right whatever your plans for the day - whether it’s daydreaming in your jammies or getting out there to conquer the world. #MySimply #WellnessPartner photo by @visualbass
On the verge of something exciting. Also rather in need of a bang trim. 💇🏼‍♀️ Photo by @visualbass, dress by @ninetyeight_ca, makeup by @millyjmakeup (because if you get a day where Milena does your makeup, it needs to be documented, obviously.) #canadiandesigner #jennybird #shoplocal #torontolife #wearcanadian #canadianfashion #thatnewnew
On the verge of something exciting. Also rather in need of a bang trim. 💇🏼‍♀️ Photo by @visualbass, dress by @ninetyeight_ca, makeup by @millyjmakeup (because if you get a day where Milena does your makeup, it needs to be documented, obviously.) #canadiandesigner #jennybird #shoplocal #torontolife #wearcanadian #canadianfashion #thatnewnew
One year ago today, we set off on our family adventure to Taiwan. This photo was taken the first night we were there, in the port city of Keelung, just to the northeast of Taipei in the capital region. I’m carrying my very jet-lagged son (then 2.5 years old) as we walk to the Keelung night market with relatives. I’m sure the little guy was pretty confused and tired after a 15 hour flight. When I look back, I realize what a wonderful experience that trip was (there were of course challenges, but still...),that he handled it all so well and how important it is for me to continue to travel with him and show him the world. We’re not travelling anywhere this January (because some exciting things are afoot here at home) I’m spreading dreaming up our next adventure. Photo by @visualbass
One year ago today, we set off on our family adventure to Taiwan. This photo was taken the first night we were there, in the port city of Keelung, just to the northeast of Taipei in the capital region. I’m carrying my very jet-lagged son (then 2.5 years old) as we walk to the Keelung night market with relatives. I’m sure the little guy was pretty confused and tired after a 15 hour flight. When I look back, I realize what a wonderful experience that trip was (there were of course challenges, but still...),that he handled it all so well and how important it is for me to continue to travel with him and show him the world. We’re not travelling anywhere this January (because some exciting things are afoot here at home) I’m spreading dreaming up our next adventure. Photo by @visualbass
Over the last week or two, you might have noticed that the gym or studio you go to is much busier than usual, and there are a lot of new people there.  Please don’t complain or be territorial. This is a good thing. It’s good for the gyms and studios, many of which are small businesses. It’s good that you and everyone else is getting a dose of physical activity in their lives, and ultimately, the ripple effect of that is enormous. Let’s hope it lasts! These people that are “new” - you don’t know their story. You don’t know what odds they are fighting against. Or maybe you do.  We’ve all been new to something at some point. What I do know is that it takes courage to pull on those stretchy gym clothes and try something new. It takes courage to make a positive change. One. Foot. In. Front. Of. The. Other. These places and spaces that we go to in search of health, wellness, physical fitness (whatever you want to call it) shouldn’t be intimidating - they should be absolutely inclusive. Please be patient and kind. Photo by @visualbass 
#FitTO #bodylove #swooshfam #strongissexy #girlswholift #pilatesisforeverybody #bethechange #bekind #fitnessforall #inclusion #psa
Over the last week or two, you might have noticed that the gym or studio you go to is much busier than usual, and there are a lot of new people there.  Please don’t complain or be territorial. This is a good thing. It’s good for the gyms and studios, many of which are small businesses. It’s good that you and everyone else is getting a dose of physical activity in their lives, and ultimately, the ripple effect of that is enormous. Let’s hope it lasts! These people that are “new” - you don’t know their story. You don’t know what odds they are fighting against. Or maybe you do.  We’ve all been new to something at some point. What I do know is that it takes courage to pull on those stretchy gym clothes and try something new. It takes courage to make a positive change. One. Foot. In. Front. Of. The. Other. These places and spaces that we go to in search of health, wellness, physical fitness (whatever you want to call it) shouldn’t be intimidating - they should be absolutely inclusive. Please be patient and kind. Photo by @visualbass #FitTO #bodylove #swooshfam #strongissexy #girlswholift #pilatesisforeverybody #bethechange #bekind #fitnessforall #inclusion #psa
For me, one of the marks of a great film is that I continue to think about it after I leave the theatre.  A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to preview @OnTheBasisOfSex a biopic about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and it definitely had that effect on me. I have of course always found her to be inspiring. But as I watched her life story unfold - portrayed so well in this film by Felicity Jones -  I was even more impressed.  She forged ahead with her career AND raised a family while facing constant adversity (for starters, she was turned down by 12 law firms despite being top of her class). She continues to this day to fight for civil rights at the age of 85. And thanks to her hard work things have improved greatly for women since Justice Ginsburg was heckled for “taking a man’s place” at Harvard Law School. (And you can thank her for many of the changes that we do see!) But sadly we’re often still given the message that women have an expiry date of usefulness to the world. That message is WRONG - obviously - but it persists, and I happen to work in an industry that can be guilty of perpetuating this myth. As I watched this story, I realized that the Notorious RBG was barely even getting started when she around my age and THAT made me think:  Wait a minute:  what else can I still accomplish if I don’t let anyone else impose their prejudices or limitations on me? Because I’m just getting started. If you are looking for a dose of inspiration (and who isn’t, because it’s January) then this film from @UniversalPicturesCanada is a great place to start. It’s already playing in Toronto and opens in Vancouver and Montreal tomorrow.  #OTBOS_Ambassador. #OnTheBasisOfSex
For me, one of the marks of a great film is that I continue to think about it after I leave the theatre.  A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to preview @OnTheBasisOfSex a biopic about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and it definitely had that effect on me. I have of course always found her to be inspiring. But as I watched her life story unfold - portrayed so well in this film by Felicity Jones -  I was even more impressed.  She forged ahead with her career AND raised a family while facing constant adversity (for starters, she was turned down by 12 law firms despite being top of her class). She continues to this day to fight for civil rights at the age of 85. And thanks to her hard work things have improved greatly for women since Justice Ginsburg was heckled for “taking a man’s place” at Harvard Law School. (And you can thank her for many of the changes that we do see!) But sadly we’re often still given the message that women have an expiry date of usefulness to the world. That message is WRONG - obviously - but it persists, and I happen to work in an industry that can be guilty of perpetuating this myth. As I watched this story, I realized that the Notorious RBG was barely even getting started when she around my age and THAT made me think:  Wait a minute:  what else can I still accomplish if I don’t let anyone else impose their prejudices or limitations on me? Because I’m just getting started. If you are looking for a dose of inspiration (and who isn’t, because it’s January) then this film from @UniversalPicturesCanada is a great place to start. It’s already playing in Toronto and opens in Vancouver and Montreal tomorrow.  #OTBOS_Ambassador. #OnTheBasisOfSex

michelle@michellejobin.com