Mummy, Mummy I want to go too

This is what happens when "Mummy" travels a lot

with Rory (above ) and Leo (below)

Montreal Architecture and panoramic views

Looking at the past brightly

As many of you know, I spent the last three days in Montreal participating in a work-related course on Copyright. Montreal is the place where I spent the first 22 years of my life. The course was only a block away from the office building that housed my first job as an insurance policy typist in a typing pool. At that time I was 17, "wet behind the ears" but knowing everything there was to know about life - just like all teenagers do at that age! But really, I knew nothing, or nearly nothing at all and was full of fragility and low confidence.

Being so close to my past led me on a journey (or a long walk and drive) through the city to some of my old hang-out joints, old elementry and high schools, and the four places where I lived ... (two with family and two on my own). I walked and drove around Montreal like a native, yet looked at the city with new eyes, almost like a tourist appreciating many things like the architecture that I used to take for granted as being normal.

Since I left there I've added 24 years to my life and added 24 pounds to myself, I've travelled half way around the world, attained multiple university degrees, gained much more self-confidence and have made more than 24 new friends. I really have come a long way since I was 17 and knowing nothing!

24 years ago, I never thought I would take a course on copyright with a room full of bright lawyers, including some law professors. The course was amazing and my fellow classmates highly impressive. We learned a lot, but it made me realize that I still know next to nothing. In fact, the more I learn the more I realize this.

All in all, it was an enjoyable trip for the course content and also for the trip down memory alley. I guess I'll just have to accept that I'll never be a "know it all". But be thankful for all the good things that have come my way and even the trying times that have built my strength and made me who I am today, who may not no everything, but is happy with where she's gone.

Now, I wonder what the next 29 years will bring?

Lower than normal activity for me in the next 10 days

Hi Friends,

I am off to the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec and then to Montreal on business. I'll have limited access in the next 10 days, but hope to get to visit sometimes.

I thought I'd leave you with some amazing shots.... enjoy!

It's Hot, but I'm still trotting

The "dog days of summer" have arrived in my neck of the "concrete woods". Temperatures reaching 35c or 95f. However, this still hasn't stopped me from trotting the 3km stretch between home and work. Thankfully I have central air so that I can cool down nicely upon my arrival home. It makes a huge difference because I probably lose a pound or two (a kilo) from water loss. Surprisingly I still enjoy it in the heat, but perhaps my iPod has something to do with that!

Things have been slow socially, but ramping up at work. This week-end is a long week-end so I'm going up to the mountains to see some real woods for a change! My cats are not going to be too happy because I'll be away in the mountains for three week-ends in a row, including one full week. But at least they'll be comfortable in the central air... Sure it won't be as cool as I would normally keep it, but at least they won't have to deal with the very oppressive humidity that always seems to accompany our high temperatures.