January 2016 is Behind Us. Where did It Go?

Can you believe that January has come and gone? So quickly. It seemed just yesterday we were ringing in 2016. Tomorrow we will welcome February. I have a feeling that this year too will be flying by. I can feel it already. I don’t want it to, but I guess there is no stopping time as some of us would like. Sometimes we question and say, where did it go? Nobody knows where time goes, but all we know is, that it goes. When our lives are busy and we have so much to do and to get done, time just goes by so much quicker.

This year, we will be having a leap year. Which means that February will have 29 days instead of the 28. All in all, it has been a very pleasant winter. We have been very lucky thus far with the temperatures, snowfall and all that here in Toronto. Well, we are really not out of the woods just yet, there is still a few weeks left of winter, but from here on, I think the temperatures and the consistency of flurries we have had will stay about the same and which I have heard from the meteorologist, but then again, I do not want to speak so soon though. I do not want to jinx it either.

Weather like this in Canada is pretty unusual, and people are concerned with global warming and everything. I know it is concerning and something to be alarmed about climate change and everything, but to me this is great. Less problems on the roads and better conditions. People do want the snow and stuff, but it creates havoc on the roads, and it becomes dangerous for pedestrians, drivers and those who commute daily.

Let us continue to be thankful that we have made it past another month. Some people did not get to. I cannot believe we lost so many people in the entertainment industry this year and also unfortunate losses with loved ones, friends and all that. My condolences to all the families and friends.

Let us be grateful always and count our blessings, enjoy our days as much as we can, cherish moments and make memories.

Have a happy and healthy February and the rest of the year. 🙂 Talk to you tomorrow.

Driving on Two-Lane Highways – It Feels Awesome

As you may or may not know, one of the most therapeutic things for me in life is to drive and I like it very much. I especially love to drive on major Highway/Freeway Arteries, big and small, long and short. When I drive, it is very relaxing to me. I remember when I got my G2 drivers licence, I began driving on highways in Ontario, Canada, especially the Highway 401 going back and forth to Montreal from Toronto, and when I used to go up to my cottage in Tweed, Ontario on Highway 37 which is a two-lane highway in some parts. Then after I got my full G licence, it felt awesome taking control and having that experience to drive all on my own from Montreal to Toronto, which is about a 5 hours drive. I loved it. Listening to the radio/cd’s, Myself, my car and the road. It was so peaceful and incredible.

With that being said, I absolutely love driving on two-lane highways as well. I feel like I am driving out in the country, different lifestyle, seeing farmers, pick-up trucks, old cars, overlooking trees, scenery, farmland, agriculture, fruit and veggie farms, animals, a house or 2 within a few km’s away from each other, followed by passing pick up trucks, big trucks/rigs on opposite side of the highway, then seeing solid lines, then broken lines for cars that are able to pass at that moment, say if there is a very slow moving vehicle in front of you, then quickly merging back into your lane, of course when it is safely to do so. I love road-trips like that, and I have to be the driver, but I am not the one who can stay in a car for more than 8-10 hours. That is my maximum limit. Anymore than that, I would rather fly somewhere.

I know sometimes driving in rural country/county township highways take longer to get to places, depends on where you are going, but it feels incredible to see greenery more and to get up close and personal with nature as you drive along.

Do you usually drive in the family or when you are amongst your friends? Or do you like being a passenger a lot more? I am in the mix between both, but I am the one who likes to usually drive. I cannot sit in a backseat of a car. I feel uncomfortable. I have to either drive or sit in the front.

Do you have a driving memory or story?

It’s The Little Things In Life, That is Big For Someone. I have a lot of those Little Things.

One day and several days that followed, I sat down in deep thought to myself, what little things are a big deal for me, what little things in this life that makes me happy, what things that make me feel incredible.  I thought about how important it is to me. I thought of different, scenarios, are people going to think it is strange? Are people going make judgements, comments and talk about me behind my back? But I took two steps back and I just do not care about those negative comments and distasteful things, that I do not need in my life. Its either someone appreciates me for who I am and what I like and supports me with it, or they can leave, but I believe people are free in what they are interested in and what they like, that people would talk about my likes and interests. I am sentimental, and I know the value of things around me and I am so thankful for it.  It is all based on individuality and our hobbies, interests, and things that we like.

Now, this may sound bizarre, but I just can’t get over myself in loving Highway 401 East  in Ontario, Canada. Your probably thinking, a highway? it’s just asphalt and a road to drive on to get to different destinations. To me, it is a lot more than that. There have been incredible memories on the Highway 401 East going toward Montreal from Toronto. It’s such a great feeling. At times I was by myself driving and it was the best feeling ever and just the car, the music that gets me in the right state of mind, the road and myself. It’s an experience I will never forget. I remember when I took my first alone driving trip. It was awesome. I went half way to Montreal which is Kingston, Ontario and there was an Armenian Youth Camping trip and it was an incredible time. Driving alone makes me feel so awesome and it takes my mind off of certain things. Taking trips and just getting away from the city and just exploring is so great. My memories on the 401 started when I was so young. Until now. This is one of the biggest things that is so valuable to me. The Highway 401 East direction is my favorite and it will always remain my favorite. I have had beautiful memories, fun times, and just seeing my favorite objects and places on the 401 on the north and south sides. I would see my favorite signs, and symbols, I memorized all the curves, twists, turns, the signs, the exit numbers, the towns. You name it. I have grown a sense of connection with the highway that takes me to my happy place Montreal. Even my wallpaper on my desktop computer has a Highway 401 East picture. It’s a beautiful thing once you discover what is a big deal for me.

So take these little things in life. Someday it will be worth a lot to you and it will give a sentimental meaning as life goes on and you look back on everything you have been through and things you have had in life. The important thing is to discover it. Take sometime for yourself and figure all this out. I am sure you have little things that are such a big deal for you.

Give it a shot!

I Love Being Called A Human GPS – I Only Learn Once

One day almost 12 years ago when I turned 16, I remember passing my written computer driver exam to get my first License, in Ontario it is called the G1, Graduated licensing system that Ontario put into place, and I got out of the driver examination office excited and jumping around saying I passed I passed, it was a great experience. Not even a week later I started driving around and learning from my Dad, then I went to driving school, then I obtained the G2 license. After that I started driving on my own without supervision, and it was so incredible, and I started going to places and remembering where I am going and all it took is once for me to drive somewhere and I learned it very quickly. My dad and so many others say you have a gift of being strong and recognizing directions. In the last few years, I have been called the Human GPS (Global Positioning System), and that made me feel incredible to know that people trust in me in directions. I go to a place once and I am all set. The first time I need help to get somewhere, so I resort to my GPS, but then the second, third, forth time I go, I don’t need it anymore. I also love explaining directions in detail and they love it.

It is one thing to be a passenger and one thing to be driver. I have always observed even when I am a passenger and I learned a lot quicker, but when you get to really drive, its a lot more different because your the controller of the car, steering, brakes, and everything and people trust in you to make the right judgements when changing lanes, which way to go and often times your passengers sometimes tell you where to go if your dropping someone off at home or somewhere else, and among so many things, and its really important to observe always and remember where you go. Exercise your brain and always be aware of where you are. I always do and I have success always. I remember taking a friend home once and picking her up, she explained to me once how to get there, and now I don’t need to have a GPS Anymore. I love driving and I love driving responsibly.

When I got my full license called the G license 4 almost 5 years ago, I started to develop that special drivers eye, and started developing more skills in driving, and being more experienced. As I got all that experience, I started making long trips, and gaining confidence in myself to park, to reverse park and more. It feels amazing to know that people trust in me to give directions and no one has been lost. I feel like a Human Onstar and Navigation Voice in cars. I remember one time when I was heading to Montreal many years ago, believe it or not, I memorized all the exits, towns and cities all the way to Montreal from Toronto, and people were amazed at the names I was giving out during a conversation with someone who was going to Montreal and I gave it in the right order, not scrambling it all up. It felt incredible.

I cannot even begin how much I love being called a Human GPS. It feels great. If you want to know how to keep your memory and how to get somewhere without being lost the second or third time, just always remember the surroundings, a certain building around, a store name, an intersection, remembering the left, rights, straights, All very important and create a photographic memory in your mind, and just observe very closely. Then you too will become a Human GPS. Sometimes people go somewhere 10 times and don’t remember. Take extra time to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. It always works for me. I love it.

All the best to you all! Be safe on the roads and focus while driving.

Love Being Called A Human GPS – I Only Learn Once

One day almost 12 years ago when I turned 16, I remember passing my written computer driver exam to get my first License, in Ontario it is called the G1, Graduated licensing system that Ontario put into place, and I got out of the driver examination office excited and jumping around saying I passed I passed, it was a great experience. Not even a week later I started driving around and learning from my Dad, then I went to driving school, then I obtained the G2 license. After that I started driving on my own without supervision, and it was so incredible, and I started going to places and remembering where I am going and all it took is once for me to drive somewhere and I learned it very quickly. My dad and so many others say you have a gift of being strong and recognizing directions. In the last few years, I have been called the Human GPS (Global Positioning System), and that made me feel incredible to know that people trust in me in directions. I go to a place once and I am all set. The first time I need help to get somewhere, so I resort to my GPS, but then the second, third, forth time I go, I don’t need it anymore. I also love explaining directions in detail and they love it.

It is one thing to be a passenger and one thing to be driver. I have always observed even when I am a passenger and I learned a lot quicker, but when you get to really drive, its a lot more different because your the controller of the car, steering, brakes, and everything and people trust in you to make the right judgements when changing lanes, which way to go and often times your passengers sometimes tell you where to go if your dropping someone off at home or somewhere else, and among so many things, and its really important to observe always and remember where you go. Exercise your brain and always be aware of where you are. I always do and I have success always. I remember taking a friend home once and picking her up, she explained to me once how to get there, and now I don’t need to have a GPS Anymore. I love driving and I love driving responsibly.

When I got my full license called the G license 4 almost 5 years ago, I started to develop that special drivers eye, and started developing more skills in driving, and being more experienced. As I got all that experience, I started making long trips, and gaining confidence in myself to park, to reverse park and more. It feels amazing to know that people trust in me to give directions and no one has been lost. I feel like a Human Onstar and Navigation Voice in cars. I remember one time when I was heading to Montreal many years ago, believe it or not, I memorized all the exits, towns and cities all the way to Montreal from Toronto, and people were amazed at the names I was giving out during a conversation with someone who was going to Montreal and I gave it in the right order, not scrambling it all up. It felt incredible.

I cannot even begin how much I love being called a Human GPS. It feels great. If you want to know how to keep your memory and how to get somewhere without being lost the second or third time, just always remember the surroundings, a certain building around, a store name, an intersection, remembering the left, rights, straights, All very important and create a photographic memory in your mind, and just observe very closely. Then you too will become a Human GPS. Sometimes people go somewhere 10 times and don’t remember. Take extra time to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. It always works for me. I love it.

All the best to you all! Be safe on the roads and focus while driving.

Truck Drivers and Transport Trucks Do Not Get The Credit and Respect They Truly Deserve.

There is something that has been a great course of concern for me for the past several months, that I need to get off of my chest, and that is about Truck drivers driving big transport trucks and people continue to disrespect them and give them a bad rap for what they do from ordinary drivers on our roads. I am not talking about the reckless drivers out there. People have a point about those, but I am just discussing this in a general manner that I need to address today. I think truck drivers and these big transport trucks do not get the credit and respect they truly deserve. They are always bad mouthed about, they are always the ones who stand out in our roads, but it should not be the case. They are ordinary people like us who have families, friends and lives to live too.

It is not easy to transport and drive a huge transport truck for so many hours a day and for thousands of miles or kilometers. I do not think it is fair for people to judge them. What they do is very hard work. They are responsible for the driving, they are responsible for a huge truck, they are responsible for getting the delivery of what is being transported to companies on time. People think it is easy to operate a huge truck, but it isn’t. People go to extensive training and driving schools and that is something that people do not credit and respect. I mean take a look around you, take a look at the home you live in, take a look at your vehicle in your driveway or garage, take a look at your fridge, stove, food in your fridge and freezer, take a look at the furniture, bed you sleep on, and all other necessities in your life. It must come from somewhere right? Like a big transport truck and who delivers it? The truck drivers do. I have a big respect for them and I credit them very much.

I have this sense of relief to know that my life’s necessities are being transported and It is at my reach on a daily basis, I am very happy to know that and to see that in the stores. There is a lot of pressure with this job and people have to do it, or else this world will be at a stand still and nothing will ever get transported without these big beauties of our roads. I love these trucks so much. I love seeing them on our roads. Never mind about these trucks taking up road space, be happy they are there and they are there for a reason, they are there to transport our lives needs. Its very important to know this and to cut them some slack when they are on our roads. Ordinary drivers, do not know how hard it can be especially for those truck drivers who do runs alone and who have nobody beside them for so many days at a time and when they are away from family and friends. It can be pretty nerve wrecking and some truckers get frustrated at a few things, and people should understand their points of views and how they feel about the situation, but bread and butter must come from somewhere, feeding and putting food on the table and a roof over your head must come from somewhere right?

So each time you see these trucks and the truckers, just think of this article I wrote today. Thanks very much.

My Sentimental Value Toward Highway 401 East, Ontario, Canada

Hello everyone, I know this topic has come up on many of my blogs stating about the Highway 401 East in Ontario, Canada and How big of an impact it’s had on me and my life. It is a sentimental value to me. The Highway 401 has brought a lot of memories for me from when I was a child up til this point. I am very happy to have this connection with a highway I love driving on, and going to my Happy Place Montreal. I love Highway 401 East because It its a corridor to Montreal and to Autoroute 20 in Quebec. I am such a sentimental person that even a highway is special to me. I know it sounds odd and a little strange, but I know that in all of us we have a sentimental thing that may not be a big deal to another person, but it can be a big deal to one person. Its like one persons junk is another person’s treasure to sort of speak. It is something that I have a strong bond with. I know you maybe thinking a strong bond with a highway? Sounds silly doesn’t it? Well, it is not silly to some people. I have encountered many others who feel the same way I feel about it. I am a super driving nut. I love to drive and especially passing by the big trucks and big rigs on the 401. I love it so much. I am a huge fan of those big transport trucks and I know a lot about them and when I have conversations with people on the type of truck it is, or the make, people say wow, you are so knowledgeable about it. I like to learn a lot of new things and live to tell about it. So moving on, when I go to OnRoute Service centers when I take a break on the 401, You never realize how fast you go until you stop at a service center and see these cars, vans, transport trucks zoom right by and its amazing to know that, that is how fast were going.

Anyway, I am very happy to share this sentimental value with everyone. I believe in blogging, you can write about anything and open your heart out on everything. I believe I feel better when I blog and share my stories with the world and with different people. It is what makes the world go around hearing stories, different opinions, suggestions, and stories such as this one. I have written about this a few times, but I just can’t get over how much of a value it has in my life. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to share this with everyone. Its amazing what this blogging world has become, so many people write, so many people are in the same criteria, genre as I and I like that so much. reading peoples opinions, reading peoples stories. Its very nice to read.

Thank you all for sharing your stories, thank you all for having the guts to write about things. It takes a lot out of someone to put it all out for the world to see. Everyone should pat themselves on the shoulder. Blogging and sharing is a beautiful thing. So glad so many are doing it.

So Many Inconsiderate Drivers Out There Who Cause All This Traffic

In Life one of the most annoying and something I do not like is inconsiderate drivers who drive so much slower than the speed limit, hold up traffic for others, who are constantly in the wrong lane. This issue has my blood boiling. I have never seen such terrible drivers in my whole entire life and that is what causes accidents, and bumper to bumper traffic. If some people knew how to drive properly, traffic and accidents would never happen. All accidents and traffic can be preventable. Accidents can happen from impaired driving, drunk driving, texting while driving, distractions, and crazy drivers who think speeding very fast is so cool. It’s not. I have encountered so many scenarios on the highway’s, freeways, especially and people do not know how to drive on them. Some people are scared to drive on it and I can tell. It is that simple, if your afraid to drive on a high speed highway, do not drive on it. People do not realize that super slow driving, causes traffic, causes delays and accidents. A huge truck can be driving by, or some driver doing the exact speed limit and a bit over, goes toward the very slow driver on the left or center lane and having to brake so they won’t hit the car up front. It causes wear and tear on vehicles and its not a good thing. People need to exercise good driving skills and think about where they are on the road when doing that.

Sometimes its beyond me how some people get a license to drive, how people can pass their driving exam. I have seen such terrible parking its unbelievable. I used to be terrible parker, but I kept trying and trying until I was good at it. Now I have no problems reverse parking, parking forward, parallel parking. Traffic is the number one cause of slow and inconsiderate drivers. People who don’t know how to drive and people who don’t know the basics of driving and driving etiquette, should stay off the roads, and go to driving school, take more classes and learn the rules. If some people exercise this and if they use the common sense, then everything will go smoothly. I am not saying everyone is bad in driving, I am just targeting those who do not give consideration and courteousness to other drivers who need to get to important functions, work, and going to places that are of an emergency. It is very important to consider, to respect other drivers and to share the road equally.

It is super important to share the road. You can’t just think that you own the road and everyone must follow your lead and your rules. It does not simply go like that. Everyone must consider each other, everyone should work together to maintain our roads, speeds, and traffic. We can minimize traffic a lot, save time and get to our destinations a lot quicker if people work together. We all share a city and our city roads, and highways. lets get serious on driving and lets get going. Slow drivers need to take the side streets, but highway driving is important too. So lets get it together and lets create equal space for us all.

It’s The Little Things In Life, That is Big For Someone. I have a lot of those Little Things.

One day and several days that followed, I sat down in deep thought to myself, what little things are a big deal for me, what little things in this life that makes me happy, what things that make me feel incredible.  I thought about how important it is to me. I thought of different, scenarios, are people going to think it is strange? Are people going make judgements, comments and talk about me behind my back? But I took two steps back and I just do not care about those negative comments and distasteful things, that I do not need in my life. Its either someone appreciates me for who I am and what I like and supports me with it, or they can leave, but I believe people are free in what they are interested in and what they like, that people would talk about my likes and interests. I am sentimental, and I know the value of things around me and I am so thankful for it.  It is all based on individuality and our hobbies, interests, and things that we like.

Now, this may sound bizarre, but I just can’t get over myself in loving Highway 401 East  in Ontario, Canada. Your probably thinking, a highway? its just asphalt and a road to drive on to get to different destinations. To me, it is a lot more than that. There have been incredible memories on the Highway 401 East going toward Montreal from Toronto. Its such a great feeling. At times I was by myself driving and it was the best feeling ever and just the car, the music that gets me in the right state of mind, the road and myself. Its an experience I will never forget. I remember when I took my first alone driving trip. It was awesome. I went half way to Montreal which is Kingston, Ontario and there was an Armenian Youth Camping trip and it was an incredible time. Driving alone makes me feel so awesome and it takes my mind off of certain things. Taking trips and just getting away from the city and just exploring is so great. My memories on the 401 started when I was so young. Until now. This is one of the biggest things that is so valuable to me. The Highway 401 East direction is my favorite and it will always remain my favorite. I have had beautiful memories, fun times, and just seeing my favorite objects and places on the 401 on the north and south sides. I would see my favorite signs, and symbols, I memorized all the curves, twists, turns, the signs, the exit numbers, the towns. You name it. I have grown a sense of connection with the highway that takes me to my happy place Montreal. Even my wallpaper on my desktop computer has a Highway 401 East picture. Its a beautiful thing once you discover what is a big deal for me.

So take these little things in life. Someday it will be worth a lot to you and it will give a sentimental meaning as life goes on and you look back on everything you have been through and things you have had in life. The important thing is to discover it. Take sometime for yourself and figure all this out. I am sure you have little things that are such a big deal for you.

Give it a shot!

 

Littering Makes My Blood Boil

There is something, that I need to get off of my chest which makes my blood boil and gets on my last nerve. For the life of me, I am just so appalled by what I see and what I find that is not acceptable at all, and it is called littering. I find littering is a big problem and when I  am driving and see other people driving, they think its okay to toss out their tissue, gum and other things out the window and see it fly all over the place, and sometimes hitting the windshield of the person behind or on the sides. I see so much litter getting off the Highway 401 and on the grass and the sides, I would see a pile of trash everywhere, coffee cups, food bags from Mcdonalds, Tim Horton’s, and other places. I see coke cups, gum wrappers and cartons, candy and chocolate wrappers. You name it, its all there. I just don’t like it when I see this. Whatever happened to caring for the environment and preventing pollution from this garbage going around and harming where animals live and it goes into our waters, lakes, streams and rivers where fish and other animals live. I don’t think it is right to litter at all. I know that pollution also happens from Gas and all those cars and everything, but the more serious issue is trash. I see a lot of it. I mean when I say a lot, I am saying all the time.

There are Garbage Cans for a reason and for people to stop being lazy about throwing garbage in it’s place and not throw it anywhere they please. Its not a good thing and it doesn’t look so good for the city and for our health. A lot of germs are in the air because people fail to put trash where it belongs. If we do not take care of our earth by doing these simple things like not littering and everything, then our earth will not take care of us. Which is the honest truth. If you see someone deliberately and purposely littering, do not hesitate and be afraid to tell them in their face and say, Hi sir or Ma’am please pick up your garbage and put it in the trash can, thank you. It doesn’t matter of the reaction, you just did your job and your duty to take care of the earth and everything else.

Littering is terrible. I hope people will be more aware of what they do. Our earth is beautiful, but were making the earth ugly by littering and not taking care of it. Lets stand on littering and make it a thing of the past and look for a cleaner earth tomorrow. Don’t take advantage of the earth, we all live on. Lets help each other out, by eliminating litter.

 

Excited To Be Visiting Montreal, Quebec Again

I am so excited, that I cannot hide it. I know that is a song, but My excitement to be going to Montreal later on this month is really something I cannot keep to myself. I am excited to be seeing my friends and just getting there, traveling on my favourite highway after so many months, its going to be a great getaway, short, but sweet. I am really excited to be reliving my moments on my favourite highway and especially visiting my friends, and making more memories as I go.

Today, that is what I would like to share with you all. I will still be posting on the days I go… 🙂

 

YAY TO MONTREAL!

Poem — Highway 401 east To Montreal — By Talin Orfali

Highway 401 East to Montreal

 

Highway 401 east I love you

You are the way to my happy place

So I will never be blue

 

It brings me to Montreal, so many lovely people to see

That I love and admire,

My love for you all is like intense fire.

 

passing by so many cities and towns Galore

going to a city I truly adore.

 

Passing by the big apple, the paint test strips,

thousand islands, the triangle green house and more

So many things the 401 has for people to see

so many things in store.

 

A highway that is so special to me

I know it sounds funny, but its how I

want it to be,

 

The highway 401 east only exists to me

from the start

I love it with all my heart.

 

I know each Kilometre I pass

It gets me closer to the people I love

who have class.

 

Going to a city that is great

that I never want to stop on the way

and keep going straight.

 

So 401 east to Montreal I love you

So many memories since I was a child

so happy I can drive on it now as I grew.

 

Thank you Highway 401 east

You are the best

Forget the west…

My Road Trip To Chicago “The Windy City”

In the fall of September, 2008, 8 others and myself rented a big econo line van that seats 14 and we traveled to the Windy City for an Armenian Youth Conference for a weekend. That trip always comes to my mind quite often and how much fun we had in Northbrook Illinois at this Seminary. Now as we were on the Highway 401 West going toward the Sarnia, Ontario USA Border, we stopped at the duty free shop. I decided to get some snacks and M & M’s. So at the checkout cashier counter, the lady asked for my licence plate number of the car I was traveling with, Now I asked her why do I have to give you my licence plate number when all I am buying is M & M’s and snacks for the road to Chicago? She said we have to ask on all products that are bought from the duty free. I said Oh Ok, so I bought them and everyone bought some things, so we went back on the road and waiting at the border, then we got through the customs and we were on our way to Chicago. It was incredible.

As we were driving through the states in Michigan, we decided to stop at Kalamazoo Michigan for a bite to eat at Steak N Shake. We had an incredible lunch there, and it was so delicious. Then there was hooters across the street and so the curiousity and sudden interest sparked us into going across the street to see what hooters was all about since I or some of us had never been there or seen it, and there was the girls with the manager training these new employees of hooters. So we just watched and spoke to the manager after. So we said on our way back from Chicago back to Canada, we will stop over. So now we got back on the road and it took about another 3 hours to get to Chicago.

Now, the most awesome and exciting moment happened when I finally saw the sears tower and driving toward the Skyline of Chicago. I have always had dreams about going to Chicago someday and seeing the Tribune sign, tip top allerton, those revolving doors that I saw in the theme of the Show Perfect Strangers, and I had seen homes like the show Family Matters and Married with Children. It was so cool and  I was jumping for joy of excitement being in a city where a lot of the shows I used to watch when I was a kid was all Chicago based. Now the Show Mike and Molly made me relive those memories of My Trip.

Now as we went to downtown Chicago on Michigan ave. The girls and I decided to go to Victoria’s Secret. I had never ever been in one until I was there. It was one of the coolest places and it was two floors. So I bought a few things and I saw Heidi Klum’s big poster and I felt like I was actually talking to her. It was awesome. Now we had got there just about an hour or 2 before closing, so here is the funny thing that happened. So as I had said I watched those Chicago based shows, so I decided to do something exciting and re-inact the theme beginning of Perfect Strangers, so I saw the revolving circular door to get out from the store and there was a security guard with the big BLACK WHITE Squared Hats and Police nearby and Now I was playing around with the circular door and laughing the same time and the security and the police knew exactly what I was doing, and they said “You are trying to the Perfect Strangers theme aren’t you?” I said yes BALKI lool. It was so funny. The security actually laughed and said we get that a lot from people who come to Chicago. I said I am from Canada and I loved those Chicago based shows. He said a lot of tourists do that.

Now we were walking in downtown Chicago after our Victoria’s Secret mission and I had hoped I would see the HARPO Studios or a Glimpse of MISS OPRAH herself, but wasn’t in luck. So after about 2-3 hours of being in downtown Chicago, we went back to our van to go to the Armenian Conference we came there for. The place was about half an hour north of Chicago and I just couldn’t stop staring at the skyline until we could no longer see it and the skyline is just beautiful with all the lights, and the subways going around which are so old but really define the place. So we had made new friends from the States at this Armenian Youth Conference and It was one of the most memorable weekends of my life. I had a blast!

Now as the weekend commenced and we were all set to go back to our cities and towns, and I had a super hard time leaving Chicago and I started to cry and as we were heading toward the skyline of Chicago again, I couldn’t stop snapping photos and taking pictures of every angle and every speck of it so that I can see it in the future. I still look at those pictures and just remember. I will never forget it. Now we were following our new friends we made back to the State of Michigan. We gassed up in Indiana. There was this scary old looking area we got gas in and we were rushing to get out of there. Now as we got into the state of Michigan we stopped at Hooters for a bite to eat as we said and the Manager remembered us and he said you kept your word. We said of course. We had a delicious meal and we spent a good hour to two hours there. After we continued our journey home to Ontario, but we stopped in Ontario, and made a detour. We decided to go to BUFFALO for the day before heading back to Toronto. We had arrived to Buffalo at 5am in the Morning and so the Customs guy asked us, why were going to Buffalo, we said oh to sight see, enjoy, and the Customs guy said SIGHT SEEING IN BUFFALO? He said its the most boring place ever, what the heck is there to do sight seeing? LOL so then he let us go. So we stood in Buffalo all day and then we came back right into Canada and came home. We all had a blast. I still talk about it to this day with my family and friends.

I Love The Highway 401 East in Ontario, Canada.

I know in the back of your head you are wondering why I have such a love of a highway? Especially the highway 401. and the Direction is EAST of Course.

Well, let me uncover the information on the story behind it all.

When I was as little as 5 years old, My Family and I took a road trip to Montreal, Quebec. I was so excited for it. One of the very first things that caught my eye was “The Big Apple”. I saw this huge red dome like structure that really excite me, so I begged my father to stop so we can go visit it. So he did and we went to the big apple for a while and then my dad said we have to get back on the road because there was almost 3 and half hours more driving to do. I said ok, so as I was looking outside, I said wow there is no end to this. I was very excited. So after returning from Montreal, I said I want to go again, so not so long after we went back to Montreal to visit family. I was ever so excited again.

So As we had a cottage in Tweed, Ontario just about 30 minutes north from the City Of Belleville, I always looked forward to it and I couldn’t wait until I could drive. When I turned 16 years old, I had just gotten my drivers licence, and so I was legal to drive. So my brother was able to drive at the time, so he stopped on Highway 37 which was the highway that took us to Tweed, so I got to drive all the way to the cottage. It was so exciting, but I wasnt happy because I could not drive on the 401 still, so I hurried up and When I got my other Licence to drive, I was the one to always drive on the Highway 401 and I wouldnt let anyone else drive.

I remember driving to Montreal back by myself for the first time 5 years and a bit ago, and it was the best time of my life, Just the road, myself and my car with my favourite music on, and I did that many times after. I loved stopping at the service centres while taking a break and watching the cars and big rigs flying by ever so fast and hearing the noises was and is just awesome. I went as close as I could to the highway so as I can see it all. I have also driven to Kingston, Ontario by myself and I have also done so much Highway 401 driving, that I got to know the road really well and I almost know every exit number and description by heart. When the Quebec border was coming up also known as Autoroute 20 which is the continuation of Highway 401, I would always make my symbol everytime I entered into Quebec at that point. I would give the “I love you” sign and bring my hand to my heart.

So I kind of grew up with the Highway 401 and I will never forget the great times I have had on there and will continue to have. To me it is not just a road to drive on. It is a lot more to me. I love the Highway 401 and I will always have a place for it in my heart. If you ever need directions on the Highway 401 and the exits, just let me know. I will be there to help you 🙂