yyc Archives - A Flimsy Plan

My 2026 Word of the Year: Nourish

January 7, 2026 No Comments

Remember last year when I said that it makes sense to post the Word of the Year a few days into the year? Once again, I am living that truth. (But, tbh… I’m mildly doing better than last year? Like… MILDLY. Like by 3 days…)

It’s mid-January, if we’re being honest, as horrifying as that is. I just got home from a long day that included work, the gym, emails I didn’t want to answer, play outline refining, and DM messages that required my full brain. I’ve eaten dinner, I’m in my comfiest clothes, and I’m settling in for a quiet night at home.

And honestly? That feels very on theme for this year.

Reflections on 2025’s Word of the Year: Elevate

Last year’s word was Elevate, and I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that it worked.

I elevated my work. I did a workshop at the International Conference on Residency Education that was not supposed to be a solo presentation but still ended up highly regarded. Full Circle Theatre had a massive year… artistically, structurally, and reputationally. We pulled off projects that would have 2011!Erin. We received five CAT Awards, which seems insane as new members. I elevated my professional life at my day job, stepping more fully into leadership, responsibility, and trust. (Ugh. All the worst words… especially as I’m still not an official, compensated leader.) I elevated my personal relationships, my collaborations, and my expectations of what I deserve from the people around me, even when it sucks.

I also, quite literally, elevated my physical effort. If you asked anyone… I moved more. I lifted weights. I pushed my body harder than I had in years.

Until I burnt out and I stopped.

Because here’s the honest part:
I elevated a lot… but I didn’t always replenish what that elevation cost.

Somewhere in the process of doing amazing, meaningful, ambitious things, I quietly let go of some of the things that are just for me. Goodreads will tell you, I read fewer books. I cooked less. I spent more money eating out and drinking than I wanted to. Certainly, I moved.. but inconsistently instead of sustainably. I wrote constantly, sure… but often for output, not for nourishment. I created all the time, but not always in ways that filled me back up.

Elevate asked a lot of me. And I answered.

But by the end of the year, I could feel it: I didn’t need to go higher. I didn’t need to keep Elevating. I needed to come home. To myself. In this life that Calgarians live, barely above sea level.

My 2026 Word of the Year – Nourish

So this year, my word is Nourish.

Not discipline.
Not optimize.
And not grind (absolutely not grind). Last year was kind of about grind and I failed. I said I was going to move and feel better about my body and feel better about myself and I ultimately didn’t. So I’m picking something kinder for 2026.

Nourish.

I want to nourish my body… not punish it, not correct it, not chase some ideal version of it. I’m never going to be 24 again, as much as I love to joke about 2011!Erin. I recognize how things feel in my body. I want to move consistently because it makes me feel strong and grounded. Honestly, I want to cook more food at home that actually feeds me. I want to feel good in my body again, not just about what art it can produce.

If we want to put a pin on it, I want to nourish my creativity. That means finishing my novel. Writing on this blog because I want to, not because I feel like I should. Bringing Off Book back in a way that feels sustaining instead of another thing on the list. Making content that uplifts me, not just content that serves a brand or a strategy.

I want to nourish my attention. Less vegging out. Less unfocused doing. And less scattering my energy everywhere just because I can. I don’t want to do less. I don’t think. It makes me so incredibly mad when people tell me I’m “busy” like I’m not just doing what everyone else is doing… I’m just louder about it and I don’t always make the choices that make my personal life better. I want to do what I’m already doing… but more mindfully, with intention and care.

And maybe most importantly, I want to nourish myself with kindness. Less shame about my body. Less guilt about rest. And less beating myself up for not doing everything perfectly, all the time. (Yeah. Shockingly, I didn’t fix that in 2025. In fact, I may have made it worse.)

Elevate was about going up and out.
Nourish is about going inward and staying.

That doesn’t mean this year will be quiet or small. If you know me at all, you know that’s not happening. I don’t have that ability in this silly little body. But I want the work, the movement, the art, and the ambition to be fed by something real, not just momentum.

So that’s the word. Nourish.

If you were to pick a word of the year, what would it be? Do you do resolutions instead?

Culture

Six Things I Learned From Seeing 10 Plays in One Month

May 15, 2025 No Comments

Things I Learned from Seeing Plays photo collage with playbills

Since Porcelain Dolls closed, I’ve seen 10 plays in one month. Here’s what I learned!

On Monday’s Off Book, I mentioned that I had seen 10 plays since Porcelain Dolls closed just about a month ago and would you be surprised at all to know that I had lots of people reaching out to me? Asking what shows. And how I did it. And why? All good questions. Questions that I may or may not answer before diving into the meat of this post – what I learned from seeing 10 plays in one month.

This is semi-common knowledge, but I am a new member of the Calgary-ACTS Nom Com (nomination committee) this year. In exchange for a free ticket or two, I try to see all of the shows our member companies present so that I can nominate the best of the best for awards and vote on the eventual winners. I take this responsibility extremely seriously and, while I will end up missing about five shows, I see almost everything. Plus, I have subscriptions to the Vertigo Theatre and Alberta Theatre Projects opening nights. And then I try to see projects that my friends are working on. It adds up! (So that’s the how and why.)

6 Things I Learned from Seeing Plays in One Month

As for the what? Well… I’ll answer what I learned. I am actually not going to name names when it comes to the shows. These are holistic lessons that came from seeing so much back to back. Some of the shows were really good, some were less good, and I don’t intend to categorize them in this post. What would anyone gain from that?

Acting is Reacting

This month, I’ve caught myself going all theatre school and talking about motivation and tactics more times than I ever thought I would over ten years out of university. I rarely do tactics anymore as an actor, unless I hit a wall when it comes to understanding or performing a scene. It’s a tool, not a standard for me, at this point.

But boy, is it obvious when no one has ever bothered to explain to an actor that their character wants something out of every single scene and each line should help them get that thing! It’s obvious when actors think it’s just about learning their lines and making the movements on the stage that their directors told them to make. And it’s especially obvious when they aren’t listening to the other actors onstage because they are too worried about just doing those two things right.

Good Director? Game Changer.

Okay, this isn’t revolutionary. This is in line with my first point and it’s something I knew, but I re-learned it. Directing isn’t just about making pretty stage pictures. In fact, I would say it’s rarely about that. A good director helps the actors understand the human emotions behind the words they say and evokes motivation to create those stage pictures. A good director sets the tone and tempo. A good director creates a rehearsal room energy that draws out those inspired choices from actors. And all of this is way too evident onstage.

Simple Is Better

Maybe not always. I mean, we all love a good Cirque du Soleil show or Broadway mega-musical. But especially when resources are limited (time, money, space, people, knowledge), it is better to focus on the small things you can do well, instead of throwing things at the wall and seeing what will stick. Now, don’t get me wrong – simple is not always cheap and it’s not always easy, but it’s usually my favourite.

The Gap Between “Good Ideas” and “Good Execution” is a Canyon

Not always. But it happens. And I think we should always keep taking big leaps and seeing where we land. Because no show is ever the last show – so let’s take the lessons we learn and do better next time.

The Audience Vibe is Everything

A good audience evokes a great performance. So that makes me think about Full Circle Theatre – how do we find and create the audiences we want? How can we set up our audience experiences as soon as they walk through the door so that they know what to expect and can show up for us?

Theatre is Alive

Seeing 10 plays in a month is totally different than seeing 10 movies in a month. I think a lot of people can easily watch 10 movies in that time! But theatre is a living, breathing experience where you share the same air as the storytellers in front of you. When things go well, you are ecstatic for them. And when things don’t go well, you choke on your own breath, praying for them to get it together. It’s uplifting and exhausting.

And I learned that even when something isn’t to my taste, I will hunt for the things they did well and the bright side of the experience. Because after I shared a room with those artists who invited me to share a story with them, how could I not?

Seeing 10 plays in one month reminded me why I make theatre. And I cannot wait to do it again.

So now I ask you – what is the last thing you learned from seeing a play?

What Seeing Plays in Taught Me About Theatre Header Image

YYCEats

Beer Exchange Day 12

December 23, 2024 No Comments

We did it! We made it all the way to the last day of the beer exchange. And I think I avoided spoiling any beers for anyone, even though it was harder than I expected. (Both my boyfriend and my best friend decided to drink their beers during the 12 days leading up to Christmas. And my dad has done something chaotic that means he still has more beers left than days before Christmas and none of them are in any sort of numerical order.) But I did it! And I am a little bit tipsy and it’s very late at night, so let’s talk about Beer Exchange Day 12.

Why am I a little bit tipsy? Because I very much wanted to drink Beer 12 while I was recording Academy versus Audience. Other than an extra credit episode that I had to throw together because I messed up our schedule, this was the only recording date we pulled together in December. Of course I had to enjoy a very special drink.

YYCEats

Beer Exchange Day 11

December 21, 2024 No Comments

Yesterday was just the most perfect late December day. In yesterday’s post, I talked about my really fantastic work lunch. (I just love eating very good food and getting to talk to acquaintances. That’s how you make friends!) After work, I ran a few errands, finished my Christmas shopping, and felt very productive. And then Tyler came over! We popped an edible and watched The Santa Clause and Muppet Christmas Carol. (We’re Canadian. It’s legal here and way cheaper than wine.) Plus I enjoyed Beer Exchange Day 11.

Ooh, and look at that locally purchased popcorn! The YYC Mix is specifically very good – it’s a mixture of spicy buffalo and maple syrup. Delicious. And, actually a pretty good pairing for Beer 11.

YYCEats

Beer Exchange Day 10

December 19, 2024 No Comments

I have water! I have water! Okay, I am also $250 poorer, but the last time I had a pipe burst, it took over five days before it was repaired, so this is pretty okay. The turnaround was only about 36 hours and hopefully I don’t have any memorabilia that got wet and isn’t salvageable. We’ll see. In the meantime, I’m just going to think about how much I enjoyed last night’s Survivor and also Beer Exchange Day 10.

Follow me through the cut for all my thoughts on both!

YYCEats

Beer Exchange Day 9

December 17, 2024 No Comments

You know, I was watching one of Melanie Laurene’s Vlogmas videos earlier today and she mentioned that she can’t believe she has already posted 17 vlogs this December. I hadn’t thought of it in sheer numbers that way, but – omg! Seventeen! I think that’s more posts that I’ve done in the whole rest of the year combined and yet it’s flown by. I’m very proud of myself and, while I certainly won’t keep this pace up, I hope I’ll be able to use this inspiration to keep things going a little bit come the new year. And, if nothing else, I’ll have an excellent record of all the beer exchange beers I drank this year when it comes to picking my beer for next year. Because today is Beer Exchange Day 9.

My schedule is finally starting to slow down, which means it’s time to catch up to the cultural zeitgeist by watching some trashy holiday movies. You may have caught Hot Frosty in the background of Day 8 and for Day 9, I was on a similar grind. (Hee. These are the jokes, friends.) Yes, I watched The Merry Gentlemen. No, I didn’t recognize Maxwell Caulfield, aka Rex Manning. Yes, it was dumb and totally worth it.

(OMG! You will also not recognize Maxwell Caulfield… he looks like a demon from Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this picture!)

Beer Exchange Day 9

Also worth it was Beer 9! It has become extremely obvious that I need to get to the Vacay Brewing taproom. Stat. It’s only 10 minutes from my house and appears to be a collaboration with Burwood Distillery so there are beer and cocktail options.

And the two beers I’ve had from Vacay Brewing were so good. Beer 9 was The Weekender, a West Coast IPA, and y’all know that I love a pine-y beer. I feel like this is a good introduction to WC IPAs, though – it’s not super bitter and there are some delicious tropical notes in there. Plus it’s a 5.8% ABV, so you get a little bit more bang for your buck. Who can complain!?

Alright, friends. Who is in to hit up Vacay Brewing with me?

Culture, YYCEats

Beer Exchange Day 8

December 15, 2024 No Comments

Happy Sunday, beautiful friends! And let me tell you, today was another wonderful holiday season weekend day. Yes, it is Beer Exchange Day 8, but it is more than that! Today is a day where I both got productive and had fun.

Despite my post from early in Blogmas about feeling like myself again, I haven’t quite fallen into a good routine yet. It’s hard when your life is so full and there are so many demands on your time. But that’s not really an excuse. It’s just a matter of prioritizing what is important to you. So, this morning, I set my alarm for 7:30am and managed to sneak into a 9:30 barre class.

That was before the main event of the day – taking Rylee to Morpheus Theatre’s Puss In Boots. (I told y’all that I was going to!) I have already posted about this over on ye old Instagram and Facebook, but it was truly the best. She was so excited to see the show, she was basically waiting at the front door for me when I arrived to pick her up. And even though she kept the excitement up the entire time we were there, she was so well behaved during the actual show. Of course, she had little questions, but the nice thing about a pantomime is that she could whisper them to me. And she got to shout at the stage in her little voice.

But let me tell you, after all that excitement, I was ready for a quiet night. A little bit of cooking, a little bit of holiday decorating, and a little bit of enjoying Beer Exchange Day 8.

Culture, YYCEats

Beer Exchange Day 7

December 13, 2024 No Comments

Today is Beer Exchange Day 7, but before I get into that, I need you to celebrate something with me.

I did it! Finally, I did it! Unlike last week, I made it to Cochrane in ample time to see the play I attempted to see in that post. (Mostly because I knew what time it started at this time.) In fact, I actually made it there early enough that I was able to swing by Half Hitch Brewing to enjoy a thoroughly delicious brisket sandwich. Not really the type of thing I would normally go for, but I was drawn in by the dill pickles on it and it was totally worth it.

But what about the play, I hear you asking! It was a pantomime version of The Wizard of Oz, filled with songs new and old, and lots of shouting at the stage. (This is normal in a pantomime.) The costumes were elaborate, which is exactly what you need for something that takes place in Oz. And there was so much heart. I look forward to driving out to the Cochrane Ranchehouse yet again to see another play. But maybe in the daylight next time…

Oh, and the best part was that I was home before 10pm, even though it was a 45 minute drive home! And I celebrated by drinking Beer 7. Obviously.

Culture

Calgary Holiday Plays

December 12, 2024 1 Comment

The first Theatre Thursday of this year’s Blogmas is upon us, I’m about to go out for Kegnog, and I’m going to do a classic post today. I love a round-up post and y’all loved this post last year… why not do it again? Buckle in, grab your favourite lactose-y holiday drink, and read all about Calgary Holiday Plays.

A Christmas Carol (Theatre Calgary)

I mean, I had to include it. When people think of Calgary Holiday Plays(tm), they think A Christmas Carol.

But this year? Don’t even try. It’s so sold out that the pre-Christmas shows only have single tickets available. Plus, there are other amazing holiday plays out there that need your custom (aka, money). Go indie, check out the smaller theatres. A Christmas Carol will be waiting for you next year.

If you really want to try, it runs between Nov 29 – Dec 29. Your best bet for tickets is after Christmas, which is still fun and cozy!

Twelve Days (Forte Musical Theatre and Lunchbox Theatre)

You may remember that last year, I wrote about how it was the last year for Naughty… but Nice! I was curious about what Forte would come up with next. And the answer is here! Twelve Days is a cute little story about a boy who likes a girl but has a rich friend who also likes said girl. Perhaps it’s simple but the Joe Slabe music is certain to make it seem anything but simple. Plus, it has a 75 minute run time, so you can catch it during lunch or fit it and something else into full weekend evenings.

I know I’m curious and I’m sure you are too. You can catch this Calgary holiday play from Dec 3-21.

Puss in Boots (Morpheus Theatre)

Morpheus Theatre is back with a holiday tradition that we just don’t see enough of in Calgary – a pantomime! And not only a pantomime, but a purr-fect pantomime. Puss in Boots, opening tomorrow! Do you have little kids that always want to talk to the tv when they watch a movie? Then a pantomime is perfect for them! They’ll get to boo the bad guys, cheer for the heroes, shout at the actors when the person they are looking for is directly behind them. Plus, since its community theatre, it has a slightly lower price point and is the perfect opportunity to introduce a kid to theatre. What more could you ask for!?

I will be taking Rylee to see this play, who else is in? Puss in Boots runs from Dec 13-21.

Charlotte’s Web (Alberta Theatre Projects)

Finally! Alberta Theatre Projects is doing a holiday show that is actually good for the whole family! I’m going to be real – sometimes ATP goes way too “edgy” or “dark” for their holiday shows and I’ve felt like little kids have been excluded from the audience for a long time. We can still do creative things and push boundaries while making things that are fun for elementary school kids. And Charlotte’s Web does that! Everyone is raving about it!

It is playing from Nov 26 to Dec 29… and it is in the same building as Theatre Calgary, so maybe a good alternative.

Beauty and the Beast (Storybook Theatre)

Is Beauty and the Beast a holiday play, or do I just think it is because I got a ton of Beauty and the Beast gifts for Christmas in 1992? Maybe it doesn’t matter. Holiday is what is in our hearts. And also the play is on during the holidays! In fact, the play is running all the way from Nov 22 to Jan 5. Perhaps it is the most Holiday play, as it covers all the holidays?

(Note: Storybook Theatre has also brought back Natascha Girgis’ outstanding show from last year – One Christmas Carol. It is being performed on Sunday and Monday evenings between Dec 8-23… aka the days that Beauty and the Beast is dark. And also Charlotte’s Web. Because Natascha has no chill and is also in that.)

Friends. There is so much amazing theatre in Calgary, especially during this holiday season. Don’t let it pass you by. The weather is nice right now and you’ll have memories to talk about for years afterwards. Such is the joy of live theatre!

Culture

Beer Exchange Day 6

December 11, 2024 No Comments

Survivor beer, survivor beer, survivor beer! It’s Beer Exchange Day 6 and I am delighted to announce that I have ticked yet another item off my Holiday Bucket List. (At this point, I’m going to have to do a check-in post!) Today I got to present on learning styles and when to embrace them at a Psychiatry Resident wellness event (not the bucket list item), and then do my favourite thing… watch an important Survivor episode with Mike and Sarah!

And delicious charcuterie.

So, of course I had to bust out another Beer Exchange beer for this special night. And today’s beer was… my dad’s beer! Yes, yet again, Rob had to save the exchange by filling in and buying a beer. He is in the industry, you know. (He works at a liquor store as his retirement job.) So what did my dad select?

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