Take A Moment

I write about this every year at this time - usually in private - with a pen and a journal - but I thought I would write it here instead. So, if you could just indulge me ..

29 years ago tomorrow - one of my best friends was born.

I met him when I was three years old - and said goodbye to him when I was 21.

The years in between were filled with a lot of jokes (usually bad ones) and hanging out.

He was one of the funniest guys I ever knew. He had this wonderful balance of being so laid back that you wondered how he got anything done - and at the same time - could be counted on to be there - whether it be a party - or to talk to when you just needed to vent .. he didn't change himself for any clique - he was just that guy that everyone got along with...

So every year on February 13 - since 2000 - I have a beer.

My friends who have known me for more than 20 years who read this blog every once in awhile will know I'm talking about Shambles - and I hope they do the same as me -

And to those who don't know who I'm talking about - have a drink anyway, because trust me, you would have got along with him..

If you're a proud Albertan - consider this your warning!

Okay, I have to do this. I've held off for so long. I'm a proud westerner, Saskatchewan born and raised. I even admit I was one of those flatlanders who couldn't wait to cross the border to the land of the rockies, and younger bar age. I spent 8 years in Alberta - thought I wanted to live in Calgary forever, like there was nowhere else to be. Then, a friend talked me into visiting the east coast - and it started to change. I was an ass when I first came out here, I wanted my starbucks, my internet connection and cell phone reception - it was a shock to the system - I loved the east coast but couldn't wait to get to my downtown apartment and concrete heaven - it wasn't home if there wasn't a homeless person on every corner. That attitude faded as the visits followed. Finally - I got to the point, where I was "done" in Calgary, it was time for change and the east coast was something I wanted to "give a try for a couple of years".

So, fast forward - two years passsed in September and I'm still here - in Halifax.

I have defended Alberta since I moved here. I get accused of having that "western attitude" and up until about a month ago, I took pride in that "western attitude".

But, I've noticed lately the utter misconception of the east coast by most westerners a.k.a. Albertans.

If I hear one more "joke" about maritime slackers I'm going to start deleting contacts -- I can understand how it's comes about - but just because maritimers know what the meaning of quality of life is.. doesn't make them slackers. They work - and they play - maybe Alberta should take a couple of lessons, and there would be less divorce and therapy bills.

Try telling an Albertan that they should move out here - and it's like "what! leave all this!" -- and I say to them, you're right - if all you care about is working 12 - 14 hours a day and being able to brag to your friends in your leased SUV about how much you're making in the Alberta oil boom - then so be it - stay in Alberta - we don't want you out here anyway..


I love the water, the rocks, (not the salt in the winter) -the trees and swimmable lakes in the middle of the city. I love the independent coffee shops, the music. I love the people - their attitude is the closest to home as I'll get - down to earth.

So when I tell people I'm from out west and they say Alberta? I tell them no, Saskatchewan - they can say "oh, Saskatchewan, Alberta - same thing" ... but I correct them - no , it definitely IS NOT the same thing..