See that picture on the left? Go ahead, click it for a larger image. That would be the 20 minute blizzard that hit my neighbourhood last Tuesday. This Tuesday we were walking around in t-shirts and enjoying the warm sun. Sometimes I wonder about this country...

Anyway, I am back and I survived my time submerged in the French culture of Quebec. Historically the French and I have not gotten along well but it was easier having my French co-worker there to deflect any would-be conversationalists away from me. Whew. Actually, it was an interesting trip as I have not set foot in old Quebec City for some 18 years or so. As a kid I think I failed to understand the rich history and appreciate it's beauty.

I arrived in Montreal Thursday afternoon where my colleague picked me up and promptly drove me 3 hours to Quebec City. We worked a little and then headed to the hotel to drop off our stuff and walk around the city. It was quite late by this point so options for dining were unfortunately limited and window shopping was the only way to indulge the 'shopping bug'. The next day we had better luck as we finished up work at a reasonable hour and did a little sight-seeing around town. More pictures can be found over on my photoblog if you are curious.

I returned home Saturday afternoon and proceeded to veg out for the rest of the day as I was completely exhausted. Staying up too late and traveling do NOT mix. Sunday I had to head to work again for a few hours in order to train some store staff.

As I drove to the store late in the morning I cruised through an area that I know, I KNOW, is bad for cops who like to dole out speeding tickets. However, I had a lot on my mind and didn't have the foggiest clue what speed I was going when I spotted the cop car. Groaning because I knew it was too late, so I began to pull over and wait for him to catch up. I knew I was screwed.

Indeed the red flashing lights were behind me in no time and young gentleman approached my car; I already had pulled out my license and insurance information and had it waiting. I rolled down my window and he informed me that he had clocked me going 100 km/h in a 70 km/h zone. I simply replied with "Okay". He paused a moment, I suppose expecting excuses or protest, and upon hearing none asked to see my information. He didn't seem to be bothered that the addresses on my license and insurance didn't match (one has my new address, the other my old) and then he said he was going to run my license, to which I nodded. Again he seemed perplexed at my lack of interaction but what am I going to say?? I don't believe in protesting because I am in the wrong and I know it. What is there to say? "I'm late for work??" Like that is even a good excuse? No, so I shut up. Hard to believe, but I am capable and this is one of those magical times.

So there I sat for over 7 minutes as he ran my license through his computer (which I was confident he would find squeaky clean) and I resigned myself to the fact that I was going to be late for my appointment. Oh well, my fault. Eventually the cop came back and told me he reduced the ticket to only 15 km/h over instead of 30 which meant no points and a fine of only $52. I gave a weak smile and said thanks as I took the ticket from him, and again he paused wondering why I had only said 2 words the whole time. Admittedly this gave me a quiet joy to know that I had confused him so much.

A great way to start the week, non? And such a wonderful reward for going above and beyond by working on the weekend. My Sunday improved as I later joined my dad and brother as they moved my stuff into my new apartment where it is currently all over the place in boxes. Nothing has been set up yet (bed, couch placement, etc) but hopefully I will set up house and home by this weekend and formally move it. Finally. I hate paying rent on a place I'm not even living in!

I wish everyone a great week, and to those celebrating ..... Chag Sameach/Happy Passover. May your seder be quick and the food delicious. ;-) Oh, and a special thanks to My Big Gay Daddy, Sam, for his love advice. Thanks, I needed it... and I love it when you're right. :-*