Blog – Alisa Atkinson

December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

Staying isn’t always about loyalty. Sometimes it’s survival.

People don’t stay in toxic workplaces because they want to—they staybecause remote roles are rare, benefits are tied to survival, and leaving feels risky.

The real difference? Leadership.

Not always the executives. Often, it’s the middle managers who make you feel seen, supported, and safe. I’ve had both: the leaders who broke trust—and the ones who understood the assignment.

The ones who said, “I’m giving you that raise because I don’t want to lose you.”
Those are the leaders you go the extra mile for—because they’ve gone the extra mile for you.

And yet, companies often replace employees without ever asking:
Why isn’t this person motivated?
Why don’t they want to work for me?
Leadership sets the tone. Culture starts at the top.

And if you’re an executive and your own employees comment on your posts—and you only respond to outsiders, what does that say?

If someone gives 10 years to your company and gets no goodbye, what message does that send?
It says: You’re replaceable.
It says: We don’t see you.

Retention is leadership performance.
Look at Google—consistently named a top place to work.
Why? Because they invest in leadership, development, and a culture where people feel valued.

Celebrate your people.
Support your people.
Because when they know you have their back, they thrive.

August 30, 2019December 4, 2025

Remote Work Diaries: Volume 598 – “Lunch Is a Boundary. Apparently.”

Working remotely with a global team means time is a flat circle. One team’s waking up, another’s clocking out, and I’m… still here. Half-awake, half-dressed, and fully booked.

Sleep? Rare. Family time? Scheduled like a dentist appointment. Lunch? I block it off on my calendar like it’s sacred. Naturally, someone sees that and thinks, “Perfect time for a meeting!”

Yesterday I was talking with some coworkers and we ended up laughing—because one of our teammates didn’t show up to a meeting. Just didn’t come. And when someone asked where she was?
“Oh, she’s at lunch.”
Lunch. A mythical, protected break. We were amazed. In awe. Honestly, we respected the move.

Meanwhile, I’m over here answering Teams messages with one hand and reheating food with the other, dodging meetings that could’ve been emails, and hiding my raccoon eyes behind blue light glasses—because I got LASIK 15 years ago and I refuse to let the Teams shadows win.

Yes, I work hard. But I’d also like to chew in peace. Just once.

If you’re juggling time zones, skipping meals, and trying to remember what daylight feels like—you’re not alone. Here’s to setting boundaries, reclaiming lunch, and maybe even taking a breath.

September 16, 2016

Molly the Urban Drug of 2016

Molly is the drug that is known to chemist as 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Molly is more commonly known as MDMA or ecstasy. This once legal drug, is alluring to youths not only because of its endorsements from the stars but because of its blissful effects, low mortality rate and lack of research of long term effects. MDMA related deaths are rare and typically occur in patients with cardiac disease[1].

Although MDMA made its mark in the early 1990’s, it was developed in 1912 in Germany as an antibleeding medication[2]. This drug, originally patented as an appetite suppressant[3], serves no medical use in the U.S. Although MDMA failed as being an appetite suppressant in the 1970’s medical MDMA was used to treat couples in therapy. The drug was then banned in the 1980’s because of excessive recreational use. In 2016 Molly is commonly found in after hour clubs and rave dances. This is due to the stimulant in the drug that allows the user to stay awake for prolonged periods of time.

MDMA is typically white, tan or brown in color and is commonly used as a stimulant. Molly is most commonly taken orally, although it can also be snorted, injected or crushed. Many drug dealers imprint designer logos on the tablets to entice their users into buying their brand of Molly. Ecstasy in its street form is usually laced with methamphetamine, tranquilizers, or PCP(acid) and sometimes it contains little to no MDMA.

Medicinal MDMA consists of three stimulants:

Dopamine which causes increased energy levels and euphoric feelings
Norepinephrine which causes increased heart rate and blood pressure
Serotonin which affects mood, appetite, sleep and sexual arousal

The side effects of MDMA could last anywhere from 3-6 hours[4]. Some possible side effects include:

Involuntary Teeth Clenching
Nausea
Muscle Cramping
Blurred Vision
Chills
Sweating

Some effects can last up to a week after ingestion. These side effects include:

Irritability
Impulsiveness
Aggression
Depression
Sleep Deprivation
Anxiety
Long Term Memory Loss
Decreased Appetite
Lack of Sexual Desire and Arousal

The medical form of MDMA has progressed as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)[5]. MDMA is classified as a stimulant, which is appealing to psychiatrists because anti-anxiety medication can cause drowsiness. The drug is known to adhere to the amygdala which is the brain’s center for fear. The effects of the drug allow the user to exploit their worst fears without the urge of dodging the conversation or running away. When faced with a situation that reminds the user of the trauma MDMA allows the user to phase out of reality into euphoria to deal with the agony of the trauma and therefore allows for healing.

Rappers like French Montana, Lil Wayne and the infamous Miley Cyrus are of the many celebrities that are very vocal about their use of Molly. More often today’s youth hear about the euphoric effects of MDMA through lyrics and blog posts and they want to experience that feeling first hand. Celebrities have an impact on our youth and they often don’t realize how much of an effect they have until it is too late.

Although MDMA can have healing qualities it can only do so in its medical form. Street quality MDMA can contain an abundance of substances which have adverse effects on the body.

Source References

“Can a Single Pill Change Your Life?” http://www.oprah.com 15 Feb 2011. http://www.oprah.com/health/PTSD-and-MDMA-Therapy-Medical-Uses-of-Ecstasy

“DrugFacts: MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)” http://www.drugabuse.gov Feb 2016. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/mdma-ecstasymolly

“’Eve’ and ‘Ecstasy’ A Report of Five Deaths Associated With the Use of MDEA and MDMA” http://jama.jamanetwork.com 27 Mar 1987. http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=365202

“Making a medicine out of MDMA” http://www.bjp.rcpsych.org Jan 2015. http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/206/1/4

“Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy)” Http://www.nhtsa.gov http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/research/job185drugs/methylenedioxymethamphetamine.htm

[1] http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=365202

[2] http://www.oprah.com/health/PTSD-and-MDMA-Therapy-Medical-Uses-of-Ecstasy

[3] http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/research/job185drugs/methylenedioxymethamphetamine.htm

[4] https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/mdma-ecstasymolly

[5] http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/206/1/4

September 16, 2016

5 Chic, Sleek and Unique Restaurants to visit in Ottawa

Break out your suits and little black dresses and check out Ottawa’s classiest culinary establishments. Ottawa is filled with gourmet pleasures they hide in winding roads and busy downtown burrows.

Giovanni’s Restaurant

Tucked away in the heart of Little Italy lies a jewel called Giovanni’s. With Valet parking and four-star food this restaurant is a must go for those of you who love authentic Italian Food. This restaurant offers exclusive traditional dishes and specialties. Whether you’re parting for two or 30 this restaurant accommodates a variety of occasions. I personally know an abundance of foodies who go to Giovanni’s on a regular basis to embellish their flavor pallets with their flavorful foods. Known for outstanding service, hospitality, ambiance and food Giovanni’s also caters to wine connoisseurs with the most extensive wine cellars in Ottawa as well as a great selection of spirits.

Signatures

Every aspiring chef dreams to study at the Cordon Bleu in Paris. Ottawa’s Cordon Bleu Culinary school sits beside Signatures Restaurant. Located in the historic Munross mansion on Laurier Avenue East, Signatures Restaurant offers sophisticated banquet rooms, whispy winding staircases and crystal chandeliers.

Signatures prides itself on bringing a modern twist to the fine dining experience by combining world class modern French cuisine with old world charm and elegance.

Every week they feature a new original lunch menu as well as Tuesday and Wednesday Night Blind Menu for couples. The blind menu also has a vegetarian option and features a special menu created by Executive Chef Yannick Anton, it includes a bottle of house wine and a four course meals for $119.95 per couple.

Luxe

Known as the location to find Ottawa’s Best Steak and Burgers Luxe is hidden in the heart of the Byward Market. I have personally tried the Avacado burger at Luxe and it was an unforgettable experience. The flavours soared through my mouth like an eagle flying across the sky, smooth and elegant. This upscale bistro is a must visit for anything from their amazing chocolate martini’s to inventive burger menu.

Canal Ritz

Located on the Rideau River the Canal Ritz is rich in culture not to mention the exceptional view. The menu is modern Italian. The Canal Ritz is well known to Ottawanians and loved by all. Whether you are looking for a fancy place to have a nice glass of wine and enjoy the breath taking scenery, or you’re hungry for Italian delicacies The Canal Ritz is a must visit Ottawa Culinary Gem.

The Shore Club

Located in Ottawa’s highest rated hotel The Westin Shore Club is a oceanic wonder. The Shore Club was newly remodeled and features a daily fresh sheet which outlines “the finest seafood available” according to their site. You can also reserve the private dining room for business meetings as well as social gatherings.

I personally recommend each of these five places to any patron wanting to enjoy fine dining in Ottawa. Each of these places have a dress code and an esthetically pleasing ambiance to go along side it. Although Ottawa is small we have some hidden culinary Gems that will give your taste buds a run for its’ money.

September 16, 2016

Corners on Main

The Corners on Main is a new condo development in the heart of old Ottawa East, located at 166 Main Street. The development of the project has been contracted to Domicile Developments. Roderick Lahey and John Doran are the lead architects of the buildings. The 3.5 acre site was purchased by Doran from the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 2014 with the promise of preserving their convent. The two six story buildings consists of 140 customizable units and retail space on the ground floor. Sales of the condos have already begun with prices ranging from $150,500 to 594,500.

The Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus were sent to Ottawa in 1902 from France to provide scholastic and domestic services to the oblate Fathers. By 1910 the Sisters had established their own convent on Oblate Avenue. The convent is well known for their vegetable garden on the northwest portion of the property near Main St. The convent will remain beside The Corners on Main for the remaining sisters to live out the rest of their days.

Floor Plans for the Corners on Main Buildings

The buildings are conveniently located on Main Street between Oblate Avenue and Springhurst Avenue, just minutes away from the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal. There is a private park between the two pet friendly buildings where residents can bring their animals to enjoy a smoke free environment. The building amenities include a fitness facility, guest suits, and a rooftop terrace.

The Roof Top Terrace will be available to All Residents

Corners on Main will breathe new life into Main Street with the modernization of the building. Not only will it bring more residents to the street, it will also bring new retailers to the area sprucing up the economy. Sales for the units launched in early July. These upscale units vary in price starting at 150,500 for a 291 square foot pied-a-terre unit to 594,500 for a 1431 square foot two bedroom unit with a terrace. Each unit comes with a four year extended warranty and is backed by Enbridge savings by design. Parking spaces are available to buy for units other than the pied-a-terre units for $33,000.There will be parking available to rent for $33 a month. The development is scheduled for completion in 2017.

December 1, 2015

Ced Brown Wunderland Review

When listening to Ced’s album it awakens inspiring thoughts of life. The beats in his songs at the beginning of the album aren’t driven by bass and rhythms but the vibes are catchy. The album ends with strong beats that envelop you into the depths of the bass.

Wunderland is most definitely the proper choice for the album’s title because the beat is catchy and it caters to both the male and female music perspectives.

Its clear to hear that Ced has battled in the war of love and lost. Although the pain and joy of loving and losing are truly encompassing feelings, only those who have felt it can capture it in words. Ced captures the lyrics that make you feel the hurt of breakups and the high of love.

My favorite song on the album is Insomniacs Prayer not only because I completely understand what it is like to drown in life’s downs and deprive myself of sleep but I also feel the beat and the intro.

It has been awhile since I could say that I have reviewed an album and liked most of the songs. This album is short but it captures real feelings and thoughts.

This album has my seal of approval, check out the link.

October 17, 2015December 4, 2025

The Entity by Denim leekz

The depths of this lyricist seeps beyond the depths of his beats, it renders in his words. This well thought out album not only features beats that have drum and bass but also lyrics that actually makes sense.The lyrics in this album isn’t just reiterating stories it brings light and meaning to life lessons. The track entitled deception is reality is definitely radio worthy and should be the first track released as a radio edit.

http://denimleekz.bandcamp.com/album/the-entity

October 8, 2015December 4, 2025

Double Check

https://soundcloud.com/trouble-maka-pro/ron-oneal-double-check-all-eyez-on-me-ft-svskee

This track has the old skool feel that makes old skool lovers heart melt. Low tones, no bass just pure music flowing through this track. The Tupac voice over is the perfect garnish for the real flava kickin out of this track.This track is made for the chevy’s ridin high on dubs through south central. Ron Oneal and Sv Skee are coordinated like a white suite with Stacy Adams, they rhyme from the depths of their roots.

September 25, 2015

Benjay Latrez

Benjay Latrez’s music brings me back to the days when Hip Hop was about the lyrics. The truth of this matter of fact lies within the tracks. The album has a mos def feel, which enables the lyrics to overpower the musical component of the song annihilating the drums and bass.

The sound and feel of this album is well said in the tack Soul Below when he said R.I.P. hip hop I don’t know you no more. Benjay Latrez brings meaning back into hip hop music lyrics. This song should have been the first track released from the album because it sounds like that’s the backbone of this artist.

September 23, 2015

Churro Cheesecake

This recipe feeds approximately 24 people.

Ingredients

16 oz of Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls

16 oz of softened Cream Cheese

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

1 egg

1 cup Sugar

2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon

Directions:

Using a rolling pin flatten the dough.
Spread the flattened dough evenly across the baking pan.This dough will be the crust of your cheese cake.
Firmly press the edges together to seal.
Lightly beat the egg.
With an electric mixer, beat the Cream Cheese, Vanilla, Egg and 1/2 cup of the Sugar on medium speed until well blended.
Spread the mixture evenly onto the crust.
The roll the remainder of the dough to fit on top of the mixture to form the top of the cake.
Firmly press the edges together to seal.
Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Combine 1/2 cup Sugar and Cinnamon in a bowl and sprinkle it all over the top of the cake.