Author: thestampsinmypassport

A professional serving the travel industry for 25 years. Expertise and knowledge in sales, customer care and knowledge of the world. Sharing my knowledge, travel stories and tales from around the world in an engaging way.

Going to the prom

On By thestampsinmypassportIn Newtonbrook, Prom, Rogers Centre, SkydomeLeave a comment

Last week was Newtonbrook’s 50th Anniversary celebration. A lot of work went into the planning and execution of the event. There was an open house during the day and then a ‘reunion’ at night. They promoted the event for a very long time, and they did have a good turnout at the school. They sold out, which I think meant 500 tickets sold. There were many people at the last minute that wanted to come but couldn’t get a ticket. I am sure that there were many people that entered through open doors that night….

It is funny, but I think social media played a factor in the lack of attendance for the grads from the 80’s and after. I would say that almost all the people I saw at the event that were my age (or thereabouts) are my ‘friends’ on Facebook. We may not see each other live (some yes) but we know what is going on with each other. In fact, everyone that saw me knew about my infection (because I was updating on Facebook) and was surprised to see me there. I probably should have stayed home, but really didn’t want to miss it. There won’t be another 25th anniversary opportunity

It was a great event, and I was happy I went, but I think that the “older” grads had a different experience than I did. Many of them graduated many years before I was at the school. It was the 50th anniversary so that would make sense. Since I like to plan my own get togethers with groups of people I want to see and spend time with, I think I will continue to do that. That was a common message I heard from friends of mine. Like ‘friending’ someone from back in the day on Facebook. Perhaps you had things in common with them in high school, but twenty five (or more) years later it is a whole different ball game.

Being at the reunion and the fact that it is our 25th anniversary brings me to today. For those who graduated with me know what today is? Today is the 25th anniversary of our high school prom! YES, it is.

You are probably asking me how I remember such a silly date as our high school prom. The first reason is that it was the same day as the opening day of Skydome.  I remember it was a rainy night and we were at the Westin Harbour Castle  and you could see the skydivers landing inside the open roof of the first ever retractable roofed stadium, while it poured.

I also remember because my grandfather passed away the day before the prom. It is crazy to think that means he has been gone 25 years as well, but it is what it is. Indelible life events.

I remember thinking about not going to the prom. All my relatives were arriving from Montreal and my Grandmother told me that there is no way I could miss the prom. I had the dress (purple of course), my friends were all going together in a limo, the night was four years in the making. Prom night.

There are things you don’t forget. I remember that I was watching people I knew talking to the friends I had come in the limo with, and then coming over to me to wish me condolences. I am glad I went, because I think I would have always thought, why didn’t I go to the prom.

I have friends who have ‘kids’ that are attending their proms this year. It is funny and reminiscent to look at the photos, the corsages, the happy parents with their grown up children.

I don’t think that Prom today is much different than it was ‘back in the day’, and I will always be glad I had that memory.

Dance into the light

On By thestampsinmypassportIn 80's, Chumfm, Phil CollinsLeave a comment

Started my Sunday chores today by putting on the radio and tuned into to Chumfm for their back in the day brunch, which is songs from the 80’s and 90’s. Housework and chores don’t seem as daunting when you have good music playing in the background. I guess that could go for anything really. Music for me always puts me in a good place.

When I turned the radio on, a Phil Collin’s song was just starting. Not the usual “In the Air Tonight”, but from 1996 much later than that, called Dance into the Light. It has that lighthearted, “pop” beat that was Phil’s style. That toe tapping, humming along sound. I started to listen to the words. They seems very poetic in their style and something that was written about 18 years ago could actually be written today as well.

It’s there in the eyes of the children
In the faces smiling in the windows
You can come on out, come on open the doors
Brush away the tears of freedom

Now we’re here, there’s no turning back
We have each other
We have one voice

Hand in hand we will lay the tracks
Because the train is coming to carry you home

Come dance with me
Come on and dance into the light
Everybody dance into the light

There’ll be no more hiding in shadows of fear
There’ll be no more chains to hold you
The future is yours – you hold the key
And there are no walls with freedom

Now we’re here, we won’t go back
We are one world
We have one voice

Side by side we are not afraid
Because the train is coming to carry you home

Come dance with me
Come on and dance into the light
Everybody dance into the light

Do you see the sun – it’s a brand new day
Oh, the world’s in your hands, now use it
What’s past is past, don’t turn around
Brush away the cobwebs of freedom

Now we’re here, there’s no turning back
You have each other
You have one voice

Hand in hand you can lay the tracks
Because the train is coming to carry you home

Come dance with me
Come on and dance into the light
Everybody dance into the light

Hitting the wall

On By thestampsinmypassportIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

It’s June. How did that happen? First we had a winter that felt like it would never end. Then a spring that never really got off the ground, and now we are into June. I know that the ice storm and the brutal winter will fade into our memories as we start to enjoy the best time of the year. When we get outside, take off the layers and enjoy. I can already see the pile of Naot sandals piling up on the mat at my door.

I am writing today to ask for some advice actually.

I have had a desk job for almost 25 years. Hard to believe I started when I was 5, but yes, it is true.

Over that time I have worked in call centres with vending machines in the kitchen, to working at home when I had my own kitchen about 15 steps away from my office, and now beside a starbucks. I think you know where I am going with this. The evil ‘snack monster’.

The snack monster doesn’t just attack people with desk jobs. I am sure that if you are a sales rep or on the road with your job, that at some point in your day, you are looking around your car for something that you can eat. Some leftover granola bar that your kids didn’t eat, or fishy crackers or even your baby’s cheerios. I am sure you are smiling now if you have eaten of the above mentioned items. 

I know that for me I hit the wall (like a lot of people do) between 3-4pm.

I would love to know what you pack for ‘hit the wall’ moments.

I have promised myself with the start of the new month and the second half of this year that I want to make better choices. I know it will mean more preparation, more money at the grocery store, but I think that the effort will be worth it.

I am looking forward to hearing your hit the wall snack suggestions!!

live your best life,

Lisa