Friday December 26th, 2008

The exercise:

Oh man, I have to come up with a starter for the first time in almost two weeks.

Alright, I'm caving under the pressure. The starter for today is: boxing day.

Shut up.

Mine:

When I was backpacking through Europe I met an American while staying in a hostel in Heidelberg Germany. He was a very interesting fellow, with some unique ideas and he was one of the first Americans I met that didn't really fit in with the 'loud and proud' stereotype that I considered the norm at the time.

What really caught me off guard though was his perception of Boxing Day. He was under the impression that it was this major day in Canada and was utterly shocked by my admission that all it meant to me was cheap deals at all the major stores. He seemed quite intent that it was a day that represented something so much more to his neighbours to the north and he had a lot of trouble accepting my view that it was no big deal to any of us.

Sadly I can't remember what exactly he thought it was meant to be about but every year when Boxing Day comes around, I can't help but think of that small American man who had no idea what the day meant to Canadians.

Thursday December 11th, 2008

The exercise:

Only two weeks to go until Christmas - well that's a mildly scary thought.

Today's starter is: boxing.

Mine:

I duck, dodge, move around the ring. Feet keep moving, fists keep firing. He moves around me like he's got wings but I keep doing my thing.

Gloves meet flesh with a resounding beat. If this keeps up I won't make it to my corner to take my seat. Sweat mingles with the blood running into my eyes as I feel the heat. He fakes a left and then gives me a surprise right uppercut treat.

My head snaps back with a crack. I hit the canvas with a sorry smack; the will to get up again I lack. I close my eyes and this nightmare fades to black.