EXcuses

Tiny donuts dusted with cinnamon, a Montreal smoked meat sandwich, a steamie (as it is known in Quebec, but more commonly known as a hot dog everywhere else), ice cream waffle sandwich, schwarma, gyros pita, caramel popcorn, and iced tea. All of this consumed during an 8-hour day spent hanging with KidSis at the Canadian National Exhibition (the CNE, but more commonly known as the Ex). I begged off work ("Bosslady, I need a day off this week. I don't care which. You pick" ... which is how it came to pass that I spent a day at the Ex, which for me, is the sure signal that summer is drawing to a close ... it lands in Toronto about three weeks before the school year begins. I've gone every year for as long as I can remember. Tradition, nostalgia, something like that, keeps me going back, I guess. Or is it the food building?


Among the activities du jour, KidSis and I saw a circus act, bought a couple of sketchbooks, drew self-portraits for some local art project, looked for deals in the warehouse sales but came up empty, played a couple of midway games, and refused to risk our lives on any of the rides (yes, I have a thing about a rollercoaster that can be put together in a day with nothing but a monkey wrench and a screw driver!!)Generally, it was an expensive day, but you don't ever put a price on time spent with family, particularly a KidSis who asked to hang out -- am I the cooler older sister? -- so who am I to refuse such a request since we practically never have a chance to do so ... often enough.



Just as we were ready to leave, take our slothful, weary selves home, we bumped into Yumke, and Fitzy, another buddy from university days. Fitzy had already lost about $20 playing a shooting game, and proceeded to lose at least $8 more in the 20 minutes we hung out. Yumke said he was just there for the food. I guess I was too, based on that list. KidSis and I shared every item. Would you believe I was still hungry as I was driving home. I actually thought a cheeseburger from McD's would've been the crowning dietary achievement of the day, but I drove right past the golden arches and had a bowl of Cheerios instead. Definitely not as satisfying as a small order of perfect french fries would have been.

And no, I didn't run today. I probably could have this morning, but decided sleeping in was way more fun -- sleepover with KidSis! -- and frankly, I just didn't feel like it when I woke up.(But I swear I must have walked at least the 4mi I was scheduled to run. And then some).