Culturally Canadian

Years ago when my daughter was in grade school she came home on a mission: she was supposed to bring food to school that represented her heritage. Dilemma? What was her heritage? Being fifth generation Canadian, she had countless choices ... Irish, Scottish, Jewish, Russian, Romanian, French, mixed with a little German, Swiss and even a dash of First Nations. She complained that she didn't feel much like any of those things and I insisted that she was Canadian. Dilemma #2 - culturally, what would represent "Canadian"? She ended up bringing a Toblerone chocolate bar to school to represent her Swiss heritage -- and it was a huge hit with the kids!

We've seen how TV depicts Canadians as beer guzzling, donut stuffing, tuque wearing, eh-saying nice people. This morning on my routine run through the Tim Hortons drive thru it occurred to me that this very act is as Canadian as it gets! Maybe there is a strand of truth in the stereotype. We Canadians do love our coffee! At lunch my colleagues invited me for a lunch time walk -- to the Tim Hortons. Does that qualify as exercise??

As I stood in the long lineup (everyone had the same idea) I noticed that the once young faces serving behind the counter have been replaced by more senior ones. The times are definitely a-changing.

Back at the office as I sat munching on my chicken salad sandwich and sipping my medium, double cream, single sugar coffee, my desk -- littered with Tim Hortons cups - was a testament to my daily devotion. I think I drink way too much coffee!

Not sure I would go as far as saying I am proudly Canadian about my Tim's addiction; however I think I can safely say that it may culturally Canadian. I can't believe I just said that ...