Hooray for… Cellphones?!?

On-board the Canadian, I and other passengers are in the home stretch. Though not my last “train trip”, it will be my 6th and final leg aboard Canada’s ‘premiere train experience’ (as the brochures put it). Half of the trip was spent in the now very familiar landscape of the Canadian Shield and the other in the mixed forests and sometimes urban sprawl of the southern arm of the province. I, in my usual fashion, really enjoyed just staring out the window and quietly reading… all the while getting more and more excited about seeing my family and friends. As quickly as history was made (*kidding*) in Sioux Lookout with trains running on time, proud tradition returned – the train was late… 2 1/2 hours. This created for a little bit of d’oh like sentiment as I would need to ask the parentals to come into town a little later than expected. And for others, this sentiment was far more intense as it would mean missed connections, late arrivals to engagements, and in some cases potential loss of accommodations. I again was thankful for my early lessons in train travel… you get there when you get there.

I was also thankful for my cellphone. A statement I thought I would never find myself writing. Now don’t misunderstand me, over the years I have become accustomed and in certain instances dependent on having one… but never have I really found myself thinking, “Gee, I am really glad that I have this piece of technology in my life, it makes things so much easier!”…;). Unlike days of old, I was able to connect with my parents and pinpoint my ETA. And upon arriving in a crowded station – the Canadian is a BIG train – I was able to once again call and track down my mother by having her describe her surroundings. See, technology saved the day. Without it, my parents wouldn’t have known when I was coming and I would have been left for not on the streets of the T-dot…;). Okay, Okay, maybe things just wouldn’t have gone as smoothly. But you can see why I might have been having a little love-in for the technology and how it has definitely impacted how these types of things go down.

After big hugs… my mom and I headed out to find my dad who was circling the block in the car. He hates Toronto. I mean, I am pretty sure he was a silent partner in the production of the documentary “Let’s Hate Toronto”. Ever since I was a child, I have been hearing his anti-toronto rhetoric and witnessed his disdain whenever he needed to venture into its vast borders. I was super glad he made the trip in… it had been months now since I had last seen him. He soon pulled around the corner and with four ways a-flashin’ we scooted into the car. Phew… a trip to Toronto relatively unscathed and I could tell that Dad was glad that we hadn’t spent any great length of time there and were speeding along on the highway heading West towards home.

It was after midnight when we arrived at the homestead. So, it was a quick visit before my parents turned in. I must admit that it felt a little strange to be in the house. I had slept in 27 different beds over the last two months and seen so much… and now I was in a place that was ‘mine’ and really quite familiar. I knew where everything was, I could open the fridge whenever I wanted to, I could make a snack in the kitchen, answer the telephone if it rang, do laundry without having to put correct change into the machine, etc. etc. I expect that this sentiment will be even greater once my adventure comes to a close, but it was there nevertheless. Don’t get me wrong, I was very happy to be ‘home’ and couldn’t be more excited to see my family… just took a little getting used to.

I made a snack, watched a little TV, and then I too hit the hay. I realized that one’s mind is always two steps ahead while ‘on the road’. It is interesting to go to bed without the “I will have to ask where this is” or, “Don’t forget to reserve that”… check list. Tomorrow will be a big day! Grocery shopping, errands, preparing culinary delights, and hosting a birthday party for my wonderful grandmas and aunt. Some extended family will also be coming over…. I am quite excited to see everyone.

Until then…