Christmas (I know...it's late)

I wanted to write a bit about my Christmas holidays because either everyone assumed I went back to Winnipeg, or that I stayed in Québec City. I did neither for that matter.

I ended up taking a halfway route and ended up in Toronto. What awaited me in the "centre of the universe", you ask? Some relatives I haven't seen in a while, and some new ones I hadn't seen yet.

It was a good compromise, it cost less than half of a return ticket to Winnipeg (or Regina if I chose to visit my parents first). Also, I wouldn't be stuck in Québec City while everybody else was celebrating Christmas with their relatives and then some.

Anyway, more about my Christmas. The weather was super balmy. I believe it was above zero the whole time I was there (definitely a first in my memory, of course I don't remember my baby years in England). Yet everyone was worrying when I didn't put on my jacket *rolls eyes*.

The family gathering was fun, though having to watch the first 15 mins. of Cars 30+ times in 3 days did get a little tiresome. Oh, toddlers...There was a traditional turkey dinner, and I held my own against the men of the poker table. I think I either slept or played Warioware Twisted the rest of the time.

Boxing day sales in Toronto aren't as insane as Winnipeg, but I think that was a result of going to lesser-known malls. Also Pacific Mall has nothing more than bootlegged movies and bubble tea now. There used to be video game and computer shops, but they make less business and they moved elsewhere. Amazing how things change in 3 years.

Pierre Trudeau Airport only has about an hour and a half of quiet time to sleep. And get a bench quickly or you'll have to set up chairs.

NTS: Never set up an early flight when you need to take an overnight bus to get to the airport.

Lastly, I love you big K, M, and little K. Hope to see you all soon.

Exciting News!!

If I was a decent events blogger, then I wouldn't be posting out of chronological order. But alas, I feel that this is news that I have to share post haste.

For those that aren't aware, there was a recent dance weekend called QSRV held right here in Québec City. I had so much fun learning balboa and shag, as well as hosting old friends, eating wonderful food, and listening to great music. This all on 6 hours of sleep. Not bad. Not bad at all.

But that isn't the news. It's just part of what I should've posted about already.

So two days after that weekend, still experiencing the high of a weekend well spent, I was telling a friend how ideal I feel my life was at that moment. I found work, my french is vastly improving, I get to explore the city from time to time, and I get to dance. It's how I pictured my break from Winnipeg.

The next night, I open my e-mail to find an interesting message. An invitation to Troupe Ruby Porto? Wait...is Benjamin serious? Inside were details about costs, the other members, schedules, and catch-up sessions. And he wanted a response as soon as possible. One of the catch up sessions was that night. I read this half an hour before my fast lindy hop class and just as I was making supper. Needless to say I barely cooked my food on time as I wanted to call people, tell the family upstairs, and sort things out in my head.

What about work? What about money? What about other exchanges? Do I have the drive to actually go through with that much training? Could I leave in August like I still planned?

Thankfully for the most part, it's been taken care of. And yes, I still plan to join the troupe. It'll be so exciting. Ce sera très trippé!


If you asked me 4 months ago if I was going to join a troupe, I would've said never. There was no reason for me to take the pre-req of Jive as noone in Winnipeg dances it. Also, the prospect of doing aerials and going back to not using them afterwards didn't thrill me.

But now that I look at it, it's an excellent experience. An opportunity to learn, embrace, express, touch, see and hear all things swing dance. Now here's to hoping the next 6 months won't be too gruelling ;).