Back to school
Tomorrow is my kids’ first day back at school. Well, kindergarten for my youngest. And mine too: I will be giving a full day lecture to kick-start the year in style. But, for now, I am enjoying the end of summer. All 6 hours of it.
That summer was pretty good:
We went to Canada for the better part of 3 weeks, the first long-haul trip for our 20-month-old, the first time in Canada for both daughters and my first time back in this century — I’m that old, we’ll get to that. We spent 2 weeks in Montreal trying to live like locals rather than tourists: cafés rather than museums, restaurants rather than tours… You get the gist: lots of eating involved. Because a) it was the holidays b) food is good in Montreal, whether it is poutine or tacos. We then spent a few days in Toronto at the tail end of the trip, so that our oldest would be forced to speak English: Quebec spoiled her. Another highly enjoyable experience, with less poutine involved — but more Asian food. All in all, a holiday break that hit the spot, and not just nutritionally.
I celebrated my 45th birthday. I know: I don’t look a day over 44, but there you have it, I am decidedly descending towards old age. Incidentally, I wince whenever 50-year-olds talk about being middle-aged: I’m already past the midway point, and I’m lucky enough to live in a country where life expectancy is higher than in the US which, instead of fighting with Canada over tariffs, should adopt their healthcare system; and poutine. I’m not gonna start running marathons anytime soon (or ever, for that matter), but I can run after my kids and that’s plenty. My kids are fast.
Today, my wife and I also happen to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary. Seems like a lifetime ago: before Covid, before kids, before heatwaves… And I’m being told that’s nothing: my parents hit the half-century point and even (most) people my age have me beat. But then some of them divorced so there is that. The point is — we’re on the right track. Toward getting into old age together. Although my wife is younger than me so I’ll get there first. But who’s counting?
In conclusion, Your Honor, I wouldn’t say I’m looking forward to getting old — that would be a stretch — but I’m betting on the fact that there is enough cool stuff waiting for us in the future before dementia sets in and we think a lamp is cool. Lots to look forward to.