What makes you Canadian?

I was born in Ontario.

I grew up in Ontario.

I've lived in Alberta and British Columbia.

I have travelled to the east coast of this country.

I have taken a train through the Prairies.

I've left for extended periods of time.

Never more than six months.

I hate the winters.

I love the winters.

I've seen many beaver dams,

But only one beaver.

I bumped into a moose walking home one drunken night in Banff.

I only eat real Canadian Maple Syrup from Quebec.

I know where to find a perfect butter tart.

I've skied the Rockies, The Laurentians and Blue Mountain.

I've hiked many sections of the Bruce Trail.

As much as I try not to, I still say - eh? from time to time.

I sewed our flag to my backpack when I travelled through Europe.

I did it again when I toured the South Pacific.

I've skated and canoed on The Rideau Canal in Ottawa.

I've voted in every federal election since I turned 18.

I've planted a maple tree and can identify most varieties.

I have a trillium in my garden.

I have caught a spring salmon in the Pacific Ocean,

and many a trout in a Muskoka lake.

I love Margaret Atwood, Carol Shields and Mordecai Richler,

to name a few.

I also love Nickelback, Gordon Lightfoot and K.D. Laing

I laugh at Russell Peters, Rick Mercer and Ron James.

I once worked at a small, local, micro-brewery, whose labels,

sported a beaver and a canoe.

I still shop at Roots.

I watch and listen to the CBC.

Call me patriotic.

Call me crazy.

But mostly, call me Canadian.

And proud of it.

Happy Canada Day to all the Canuks out there - even the ones disturbing my chi right now with all the fire crackers. If that's what floats your boat - have at it! Cheers!