Thangaveramuch

It’s Thanksgiving this coming Monday (the Canadian Thanksgiving, the sensibly timed Thanksgiving, the not-just-an-excuse-to-go-shopping Thanksgiving), so what better time to give a big “geez thanks” to Jilliankermani for passing on a Reader Appreciation Award.

Ain’t it pretty?

True, this is a belated thank you. She nominated me in August. If Jillian were my grandmother, she’d be thinking twice about knitting me another pair of socks, let me tell you, buster!

In my defence, she nominated me while I was travelling, and, knowing there were requirements, I promised I would fulfill them upon my return.

Secondly: requirements? Strings attached? Tell something about yourself and then nominate five other sites? That’s not an award, that’s chain mail!

ORRRRR, as Jennifer at Quirk’n It pointed out the other day, it’s a way for all of us in this bizzaro world of blogging to get to know each other better. Problem is, I’m quite new here. I don’t know too many people.

So…

Hi neighbour. Let me introduce myself. Oh yes, I brought muffins…

1. I’m from Nova Scotia and, as of this week, am celebrating my 20th year living in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Does this make me a Quebecer? Or just crazy?

2. I once auditioned for a Canadian film called The Bay Boy and was in serious contention for the lead. Tip for aspiring actors: If the director wants to take a head shot for his files, never say, “Oh, I hate getting my picture taken.” Who landed the lead? Kiefer Sutherland. And now you know the rest… of the story.

3. You know in that scene from It’s a Wonderful Life when George Bailey snaps about his daughter playing the same Christmas song over and over again on the piano [0:51]?

I always think, “Completely reasonable.”

4. I can recall only one truly good haircut in my life. It was a walk-in, Toronto, they served tea, the stylists were all attractive and didn’t have purple hair.

5. Our youngest daughter has tyrosinemia, which makes life complicated for her but (as I note every time we go to Ste-Justine Hospital in Montreal for a regular checkup) it could be far worse.

6. I was the news editor, then co-owner, then sole owner of The Stanstead Journal, the oldest weekly newspapers in Quebec and one of the oldest in Canada. I knew it was time to leave when some local politicians started criticizing me at a council meeting and I called them idiots to their faces. You’re not supposed to call politicians idiots to their faces; you do that in print.

7. I stopped drinking a year and a half ago. I tell people this and they think I’m out of my mind. I don’t know why. It’s just like giving up meat, except without the smugness.

Here are a few blogs I like and deserving of a Reader Appreciation Award (although what the criteria for this is, as compared to, say, a One Lovely Blog Award, I can’t say, but, whatever, fulfilling the requirements…).

1. Keychanges. Just a normal single gay guy looking for love and a good slot in the fantasy football pool. Funny and insightful.

2. Dirty Rotten Parenting. Never underestimate the power of a good blog name.

3. Quirk’n It. Mentioned above, and I’ve just started following, but she seems like a level-headed type, thoughtful, beautiful photographer, good neighbour, will likely return my muffin tin.

4. Anglo Adventure. I started reading this because she was a fellow anglo (as we call ourselves here in Quebec) and a struggling writer. She’s since moved back to the U.S. but is still struggling. This award is presented as a token of encouragement.

5. I Miss You When I Blink. Diverse and always droll.

Are we good? I hope I haven’t made a bad first impression. Were the muffins too dry? To be honest, my wife made them. Seriously, I like all my neighbours. Awards all around! We should have a party, a street party so you don’t hate me.

Award recipients, don’t feel you have to continue the chain; just feel the love.

P.S. After posting this, I learned that peachyteachy had nominated me for an Addictive Blog Award. Ain’t she sweet? Her blog’s not too shabby either. So all of the above goes for this award as well. Thanks! Pumpkin pies for everyone!