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The 10 Most Memorable Places I Visited
Friday, January 07, 2011
I find myself thinking about and drafting these lists when I'm supposed to be preparing a funding proposal for work. If I am out of work next year, I blame you, Internet.
- SH: Although I did "live" there, I consider it more of an extend visit, as I never intended to stay. That's the definition of a visit, right? If you have read this blog circa 2004-2005, you'll know why it was so memorable. It was a weird little village, with as many progressive people as there were absolute nut-jobs. But everything about it was memorable: my cute little house on the river, the hospital where I'd put out condoms every week, the one bank, and the ice floes which contained frozen and dead otter carcasses.
- My maternal grandparents' house: It seems we spent many summers there, but in reality, probably not as many as I think we did. I have vivid memories of many areas of the house, and I often still dream of them. There were the very narrow stairs that led upstairs to the 3 bedrooms. Having 10 children, I don't understand how they lived in that house, but they somehow managed. In the bedroom at the end, the one me and my sister usually slept in, there was a grate from the wood stove. Each night I would peek down through the grate into the kitchen and watch the adults play cards, drink tea, and smoke cigarettes. I remember the rusty bed/swing/hammock type thing that sat on the 'cool' side of the house. My cousins and I would spend house playing around that thing, miraculously never once contracting tetanus. I remember my grandmother's plants and flowers, and the crab apple tree. I remember the circular driveway, with a constant stream of visitors. I remember the small bathroom that always seemed to have pee on the seat. I remember going through the medicine cabinet, marveling at the powder puffs and mason jar of "May Snow Water". I still don't know what it was for. I remember laying on the floor next to my grandmother, listening to the "woosh-thunk, woosh-thunk" of her glider, watching hockey or "Down Home Tonight" on the CBC.
- Florida: This was the first time I flew in a plane, and was really the only 'big' trip me and my family made. I was about 12 and my sister was around 16, so was obviously too cool for all of us. But we made many memories. And my sister and I got to ride a giant bee in front of a green screen. I also think I saw Linda Dano at a mini-putt.
- The Lake: My family spent nearly all our summers camping in a small tent-trailer at a lake about an hour and a half away from our house. Each year we'd set up the trailer in the driveway and begin the process of packing everything we'd need for a few weeks. We'd have those plastic plates that had their own compartment, and the tiny boxes of cereal, and all the Kraft Dinner you could eat. We bring our giant barrel for water, a tarp, and our inner tube. And Trivial Pursuit. And for two weeks, we were happy. We never got bored, but even if we did, there were walks up the hill and across the highway to the diner for homemade french fries and ice cream. It's amazing to me that 20 years later, my family has returned to that exact same spot - only with a much nicer trailer and many, many more comforts of home.
- The Train: I love travelling by train. I love the gentle rocking, the constant din of tracks passing under your feet, the freedom to move around, and the ability to mingle with other travellers. It seems like trains are the only mode of transportation where people seem much more open to chatting and sharing this experience. The last time I took a train, I splurged and upgraded to a sleeper car. I'm a bit spoiled now, I fear, because having your own little room while you travel is just fantastic. But either way, it's one of my favourite places to be.
- The Waterfowl Park: When I was in university, I'd often visit this park to reflect and to think. I remember a few of these visits quite distinctly.
- The Other Side of the Lake: Technically speaking, it is the same lake, however I'm talking about a different spot on the same lake. This was a recent visit - last summer - but we have a retreat for work there and it was a perfect weekend. The weather was absolutely amazing, the beach was sandy, and the company was fun. I created a lot of memories at that place, and I hope to return.
- My Mother's Arms: Aww, I know, right? I guess I'm just a big baby, but damn, my mom gives the best hugs. Even if she is annoying the snot out of me, there's always at least a piece of me who always needs a hug from Mom.
- The Internet: So, maybe this one is a bit abstract, but I think that in 2011, we can define the Internet as a 'place', and I 'visit' it very often. I have been plugged in since I was about 15, so I have many, many memories that occurred in a virtual space. Some of them are good, some of them are just awful. Most of them were just very awkward.
- MW's Stomach: I enjoy watching TV with MW, with my head resting on the side of his stomach. I press my ear against it and listen to the glurbles as we watch Say Yes To The Dress. It's a comfortable place where I feel most at peace.
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10 People Who Most Helped Me in my Life
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
I don't think I could possible rank any of these people in terms of importance or influence, so I won't.
- Mom and Dad: Let's get this one out of the way right now, because it's obvious. I had amazing and loving childhood with amazing parents. I know that no one else in my life will love me as much as my mom loves me. She continues to care for me, to worry about me, and to encourage me to do things that will make me happy. My father based his parenting style on Bill Cosby, and it shows. While he's not perfect, he is wise, encouraging, and excited about life. I know I have learned a lot about life, love, and myself through my parents.
- The Women of SH: Undoubtedly, they provided a lot of help and support in my life at a very crucial stage. They helped me by giving me a kick-ass job, but then helped me when I arrived to make me feel welcomed. They told me all about the eccentricities of this little village, and shared in most of the weird experiences I had. They introduced me to my best animal friend in the world, and they understood when I had to leave.
- V and L: These two are the most giving people. I never really understood why they entered into my life, and am even more bewildered as to why they continue to stick around. Whenever I need help, with anything, they are there. Most of the time, I never even had to ask. They were just there.
- My sister: Well, she taught me how to wipe my bum, so I think it's safe to say she was a big help.
- That guy who finally taught me how to drive: His name escapes me at the moment, but he was what I needed in a driving instructor. He was patient, relaxed, and knew how to relax me.
- My aunt, M: M lived with my family for a lot of my childhood and 'formative years'. She's both a second mother and a second sister. She was (and still is) someone I can go to for support, without being judged, criticized, or scolded.
- C, P, A, T, and J: These are the five "relationships" which have led me to where I am now. C was my first experience with love and heartbreak. P taught me patience and effective communication. A taught me about the value of sex without love. In fact, so did T. J helped me to better understand my own wants and needs. I'm sure that, had I not met any of these people, I would not be in the successful relationship I am in today.
- Which of course leads to MW: Though not intentional, MW has helped me build a life, and build a family. I have learned that this takes work, and means taking risks. But I have also learned that there are huge rewards for that work and risk.
- The women I currently work with: I have met more people in this job than I can count who have affected my life in innumerable ways. They have helped me to learn about strength, passion, leadership, survival, and anger. They have helped me to develop skills, and to feel a part of something bigger than myself.
- My cat. Yes, my cat: My first cat, specifically. I know, I know. She isn't "people", but she has helped me through many hard times and I consider her my best friend. She is an animal, so I'll never know if this love is requited, but I like to think that we are best pals and that I am giving her what she has given to me - unconditional love, companionship, and adoration.
In actuality, there is actually way more than 10 people in this list, but there you have it. The next list, 10 most memorable places I visited, I predict to be rather dull, as there aren't many places I have visited. But I'll let it marinate for a bit and see what I come up with.
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10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
That's 10 10s, right there.
While I abhor the term (and occupation) of "Life Coach", I Stumbled Upon'ed
this list which I thought would be a great exercise for the new year. I hate the mania that arrives January 1st, but I am feeling... a bit down and self-reflective/self-indulgent, and this may be something to indulge in that doesn't involve cheesecake or crystal meth.
So. Let's start with Numero Uno.
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