First Days

I’m not one to believe in omens, although the few times in my life that I’ve witnessed three owls take flight have been followed by significant events.

So the flu, the sickness in the Toronto airport, and the 48-hour fever didn’t make me glum. It only accelerated the pace of my first weekend here. And because I was sick, I was able to test the Canadian health care system (hard to rank my experience – Montreal is considered in-network for me – but the doctor and nurse were sympathetic to my pain, no waiting in the ER); I met an interesting Chinese medicine man who gave me some tea that, for about 90 minutes, made me feel so much better; and, I missed my mom, Austin, and all of you so much.

Sometimes I forget how to miss people. I can take things for granted, and I honestly find that the volunteering is a constant reminder of what I do have. Food, life, a home. Maybe it’s a little silly but I always thought Fight Club was about exactly that: appreciating what you have in the moment that you have it. Not to be mistaken with taking everything for what it’s worth every chance you get.

The French and Spanish expressions of the sentiment are sublime. “Tu me manques” or “Me haces falta/Te hecho de menos” convey exactly what is meant – you are missing. You are not here, in this spot, right now when I turned and needed you. And while I baked at 103 degrees, I thought of all those places you occupy, how they can grow, and how I tend to shrink when I’m not feeling well. I wonder, does that mean I should always grow when I do?

Mom was there to listen to my symptoms list, and Montreal TV offered Cartman and Homer, a la Quebecois. “Non, chiensi! Cet MON tarte de poulet!!!” Yes, that’s what came out of Cartman’s mouth when the kitty is wanting his chicken pot pie.

I’m running a day behind on posts, but I’ll be on track tomorrow with Monday’s and Tuesday’s. I hope you enjoy reading my thoughts (it’s all I have, I don’t really talk to many people on a day-to-day basis). I’m sharing the blog address with the few who I think would be remotely interested in Ma Vie Montreales.