Monday, May 22, 2006

Beautiful, Bountiful

So a Happy Victoria Day to one and all. I hope that you all celebrated in true Victorian style...whatever that may be.

Today, me and Eric went to Brooks. It was my first trip to Brooks since we moved about 2 years ago. I am not sure why I haven't gone back in all that time, I guess there was never really a need to.

It is amazing how quickly your life can change, and even your views can change. I have lived in Lethbridge, on and off for almost 8 years now. And it wasn't until today, that I realized that Lethbridge, really is my home now.

Brooks is the same for the most part. It has only been two years, how much could really change in that time. But with fresh eyes, you do see some new things.

First of all, the mall, Cassils Centre Mall..."a little bit of the city" is totally demolished. The mall never really had anything that good in it. There was a Safeway at one end and a Zellers at the other end, and some lame stores that you would never go in in the middle of the mall. The "food court" consisted of the Dairy Queen.

Secondly, they got a new swimming pool. This was the main reason for our trip, was to go swimming at the new pool. Eric and I, if you can believe it, really are swimaholics, and every summer we travel near and far to go to a new pool. We have been to every pool in Lethbridge, outdoor included and even out to Taber to go swimming. Every time I would come home for the weekend or something when I was in school, Eric and I would go swimming at the old Brooks Pool. It was nothing fancy by all means, but it was familiar. Now the pool just might be one of the best that me and Eric have been too. It definitely rivals anything we have in Lethbridge.

Thirdly, Size. Oh my good heavens. When we were in Brooks, the idea of driving from the Church, on one side of the town...or I guess city, now, to our house on the other side seemed like a long way to drive. But in reality it is only like a 2 minute drive, and that is hitting all the lights, during "lunch traffic" (That's right. The only time there is really traffic is during lunch when everyone is driving home to eat.) Not that Lethbridge is big by any means, but to get from my house to the church is like a 10-15 minute drive...and that is driving 100km down Scenic.

However, there are things that I miss about Brooks.

The culture. Everyone from Africans to Newfies live in Brooks. You can't be racist living there, because chances are, you are the minority.

The flatness. Lethbridge is not really that hilly or anything, but it is a lot bumpier than Brooks is. I miss the prairies. :(

Communities in Bloom. Okay, there is a reason why Brooks wins this competition every year. I think they are the only community that really tries to win. Between the banners though out town, and the fire hydrants being painted up, and now the dumpsters being all fancy, Brooks really does try and win this competition and make the town a little more cheery.

Good Bye Brooks. I will miss you. Thanks for all the great times!

PS--What happened to the Chicken/Rooster outside of the BCHS?

3 comments:

Brent said...

I heard that the rooster got cut off its base and dropped in the middle of Lake Newell by some graduating pranksters. That could be a lie.

Denise said...

What!?! There is a buffalo? I must have totally missed it.

I am so sad about the chicken. Everyone I tell they story of the chicken, and Mr Budz love for it and they all want to come to Brooks. (Who wouldn't love Brooks, by the way?)

Evan! I miss that kid. But it has been like 8 years since we last saw each other. I wish that he wasn't still hanging out in Brooks. He is too smart for that.

In other, gas station related news, me and Eric saw Bernie at Husky!

Amazing Ashley said...

ps you can be racist just about anywhere, minority or not... just a thought!