Jen’s family and other animals

When I was quite young, I happened upon a copy of Gerald Durrell’s book, My Family And Other Animals. It is an autobiographical journey through Gerald’s eyes at about age 10. His family has moved from England to the Greek island of Corfu. To this day, it is still my absolute favourite book on earth….

Banksy is my spirit animal

  Some people don’t believe in resolutions at all. Other people don’t believe that they work if you tell anybody what they are, or write them down, or make them on certain days, during certain seasons, under certain moons etc. and that’s fine.  I, for one, celebrate 3 different New Years, 2 of which are…

Yaaas Queen ! And other reasons for you to hate me

I’m having a very hard time distinguishing where that very fine line between being sensitive to and perpetuating racism is. Where do you draw that line? I’m not being flippant, I’m asking real questions and I need real answers. I’ve always loved the name Diego. The name Diego is a Spanish baby name and I,…

Shame on you IKEA!

Shame on you IKEA! And no, I’m not talking about the furniture you allegedly manufactured at forced labor camps, or your alleged connections to Castro, or the allegedly horsemeat meatballs and wiener sausages (honestly I don’t even know what the fuss was about that. People who think there is a difference between eating a cow or…

Upright Citizen’s Brigade New York

Since I was a little teeny tiny person, I’ve had a dream. A dream that so many others have had and still have today. A dream so unattainable and cliche yet real. I dreamed of fame and fortune and funny. But I’m not famous, I have no fortune and, as it turns out, I’m not nearly…

Because I’m funnier than you (a public apology of sorts)

In 2003 I was co-producing a regular Burlesque show in Montreal called Diary Of A Lost Circus, with my very dear and long lost friend Domenic Castelli. Which isn’t to say that he is literally lost. At least I hope that he isn’t, because it would be incredibly insensitive of me to mention it on…

Is this a midlife crisis or am I just turning into a mermaid?

I’m not saying that no flags wave when a middle aged man suddenly takes up hair plugging, chest waxing and tribal tattoos. I’m not saying it isn’t disturbing when people start collecting child brides and cubs . I have acquaintances in their 50’s who say it makes them feel younger to date women in their…

Nina needs your help

I haven’t written in so long! Where have I been?!? So many places, mostly in my mind, but also in real life. I have so many things to be thankful for these days, so many  blessings and so many thoughts and  amazing experiences to share with you, from stand-up and improv to boob paninis and…