The time for swimming in cheap Canadian beer, feasting on Top Ramen and generally acting like a 19 year old has arrived. That's right friends, Big White is upon us. For those who are unawares of the magic surrounding the ski resort, just watch this clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxzSHxz0Fjw
Incredible.
As I've gotten older and the demands on my time have become more strenuous, the five days I spend eating/drinking/snowboarding/sleeping/hottubbing/snowshoeing/drunken innertubing/ice skating/general gallivanting with friends have become really important for me to wind down after the holidays.
Two things are different about this trip up to the Great White North this time around. First and foremost, Mike won't be there this year (at least as of this writing he won't). Mike wasn't around for the first two years of the trip, but in the last five he has become a staple member of the Big White crew. I'm pretty ambivalent about his attendance personally, there are positives and negatives to each. If he did go, it could have been awkward and dramatic, or it could have been fine, or I could have ended up making out with him (Unlikely--although who knows what happens to a girl when she's got enough Kokanee and Poutine in her.). Since he's not coming, that whole "oh my gosh how are we gonna act around each other-this is weird-I don't know how to act around you" debacle will be nicely avoided. However, in the public eye, I can see how his absence could raise suspicion of drama that simply isn't there. Mike and I are actually on pretty good speaking terms (as far as I know) but it certainly looks like we can't stand to be in the same room together. In reality, I'm pretty sure all this means is I'm gonna have some 'splanin to do about how "We both love you very very much, but Mike and Stephanie have decided to not love each other in the same way".
It could get annoying, I'll probably cry, but I'm sure overall it will be fine. These people are my friends who I love.
The second difference, that I almost completely overlooked, is that I'm leaving a pet behind that actually needs consistent care while I'm gone. I can't just throw a time release cat food pellet in Squeak's paddock and hope for the best. So...he's going to stay at Grandma's!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxzSHxz0Fjw
Incredible.
As I've gotten older and the demands on my time have become more strenuous, the five days I spend eating/drinking/snowboarding/sleeping/hottubbing/snowshoeing/drunken innertubing/ice skating/general gallivanting with friends have become really important for me to wind down after the holidays.
Two things are different about this trip up to the Great White North this time around. First and foremost, Mike won't be there this year (at least as of this writing he won't). Mike wasn't around for the first two years of the trip, but in the last five he has become a staple member of the Big White crew. I'm pretty ambivalent about his attendance personally, there are positives and negatives to each. If he did go, it could have been awkward and dramatic, or it could have been fine, or I could have ended up making out with him (Unlikely--although who knows what happens to a girl when she's got enough Kokanee and Poutine in her.). Since he's not coming, that whole "oh my gosh how are we gonna act around each other-this is weird-I don't know how to act around you" debacle will be nicely avoided. However, in the public eye, I can see how his absence could raise suspicion of drama that simply isn't there. Mike and I are actually on pretty good speaking terms (as far as I know) but it certainly looks like we can't stand to be in the same room together. In reality, I'm pretty sure all this means is I'm gonna have some 'splanin to do about how "We both love you very very much, but Mike and Stephanie have decided to not love each other in the same way".
It could get annoying, I'll probably cry, but I'm sure overall it will be fine. These people are my friends who I love.
The second difference, that I almost completely overlooked, is that I'm leaving a pet behind that actually needs consistent care while I'm gone. I can't just throw a time release cat food pellet in Squeak's paddock and hope for the best. So...he's going to stay at Grandma's!!
She's waited so long for a grandchild...
I'm not sure how's he's gonna take the change but, then again, I won't be dealing with it, Mom will. This morning as I was watching Squeak run around in the bathtub splashing and generally sputtering in the inch of water I filled for him, I realized I'm gonna miss that little bitch. He's been coming out of his spine-filled shell so much lately I'm sad to give him up for a few days
I know how to display my growing anguish at our separation
He's just spiny
I'm sure everything will be just fine, it's just that this is the longest we've been apart from each other since I got him. I'm gonna miss my tiny roommate.
SO!
In his place I've decided to tote about this little guy
Meet Squeak Scolari 2 (Budgie!)
Budgie is much more portable, friendly, soft, and legal to take over the border. He was a Christmas gift from a close friend who has exceptional taste in hedgehogs. He (Budgie, not the friend) will accompany me in my travels and I will document his participation in the Big White experience since Squeak will not be able to partake.
This will be fun :)
