From interloper to local resident, I think I’m finally starting to feel like a Leasider. The advent of this column, “I’ll Try Anything Once,” has allowed me to explore my new neighbourhood in ways I could never imagine.
First there was the pilates class at North Movement Studio. There, my awkward limbs learned the language of grace at best and humility at least. Then there was the arctic adventure of sports on ice with curling at the Leaside Curling Club. Who knew I could survive a winter sport? What fun that was!
The holiday edition found me volunteering at St. Cuthbert’s and meeting an endless parade of lovely, giving Leasiders. The volunteers who donated their weekend to the church bazaar were extremely welcoming and hard-working folk. The new year brought the Leaside Bridge Club to the table where I learned the art of Duplicate Contract Bridge, while last month’s edition had me on hops and barley at the local Amsterdam Brewery. Hmmm, my favourite?
I’ve seen different parts of Leaside at work and have got to know so many interesting people along the way. Although my explorations have been unique and insightful so far, I know there is still more to Leaside! Like a diamond, each turn shines a different ray of light unique at every angle.
With that in mind, I’d like to open the floor to our readers. I’m looking for new things to try in Leaside and I need your help. I know there are seasoned locals, long-time Leaside families as well as new ones just getting started. There are also singles, seniors, dog lovers, cat lovers, athletes, and pixies too! There are so many facets of this town that my curiosity doesn’t know where to lead me next.
So what should I do, Leasiders? What is the experience I have yet to explore? It can be something quintessentially “Leaside” or something completely random that just happens to have a location in or connection to Leaside. I’ve enjoyed all of my experiences to date, even when the mission required me to step out of my comfort zone. I’d like to hear your suggestions for what the next Try Anything mission should be.
A humble request if I may: Let’s keep the ideas between the ditches please. For example, there will be no drag racing, bungee jumping, hang gliding, or skateboarding on my part, but if you would like to give it a try and let me know how it goes, be my guest.
If you have a suggestion of something to try, send your ideas to this email. If your idea is chosen, I’ll give a shout-out to the local who gave the hot tip (or not, if you choose to remain anonymous), and maybe invite you to join me during my adventure. I’m looking forward to the excursions already, so until next time…for science!