J and C in California

Using “eh” in the title, was needlessly cliche, but if not today, then when?

I can’t tell you how many Americans still get a kick out of hearing my Canadian pronounciation of “out”, “about”  and “house”.  After almost a year, I’m used to letting new acquaintances have their little “tickle” about the way I talk, although sometimes it still catches me by surprise. When we arrived last July, I welcomed the conversation ice breaker as I tried my best to assimilate.  A year later, I still find that my accent lets Americans feel feel they’ve got me figured me out. I’m happy to give them that, cause they’ve pegged me as a Canadian.

I realized this morning that I took Canada Day for granted all those years I was there: strawberry picking, fireworks and just a day off work in the humid heat. Canada Day is so chill and campy and cool… very unassuming, and full of quiet pride.

So, here’s to my first Canada Day in 28 years that I’m not at home:

Please have a Molson Canadian for me (and a Labbatt Blue for Jesse). Stand tall as “Oh Canada” plays (without a hand on your heart but one on your Timmies). Give Canada all the silent props you can while you wait for the 21 gun salute. And bathe in the flickering light of a budget fireworks display as your chest vibrates to the screaming bag pipes. I miss you Canada!

Miss you all. We’re there in spirit.

Tagged as beavers, beer, canada day, hockey, loonies, timmies + Categorized as Life