One of these things is not like the other

Goodbye!

I wore one black sock, and one white sock to school today. I also wore my shorts, even though it’s winter and all my friends are in big coats. Mom says we’re having bacon and eggs for dinner, and I might have had a bit of ice cream for breakfast. (shhhh)

Sound like “opposites”? They are!

Today is officially Opposites Day and I’m embracing it. Sure, it’s kind of silly, and it’s not a national holiday or anything, but sometimes it’s just fun to do something different. Something opposite.

Last week, I talked about all of the things that make me happy. For 2013, I’m focusing on the positives in my life (and there’s a lot of them). Part of that is remembering to have fun.

Fun with friends, with family. Doing the things – big or little – that make me smile.

And it could be something as simple as wearing different coloured socks. Change is good! Go ahead, take a look around and find ways YOU can celebrate Opposites Day.

Hello! ß see what I did there <grin>

- Chase Superman Duffy

Sadness be gone

This Monday is the saddest day of the year.

No really, I saw something on the news about it. I guess when the winter blues combines with people – mostly adults – thinking about how much they spent at Christmas, it can cause a little bit of depression.

Sure, I’m not the most patient kid – I can hardly wait to get back to running outside. And even though we’ve had a mild winter, spring is my favourite season. But I’m not going to let Monday get me down. No way!

I’ve got way too much to be happy about.

Like snowshoeing. I’ve been out every weekend since Christmas, even when it’s cold outside. And I love it. Outdoor activity is something that makes me happy – and even better I can literally do it in my own back yard. Well, my grandparents’ back yard.

And there’s another thing that makes me happy. My family. So many of my friends don’t have their grandparents anymore. Not only do I have both sets, I have great relationships with them, especially Grandpa Duffy. My Mom and Dad are pretty awesome, too. And I guess my sister’s okay.

I love reading and writing. Playing video games with my friends. Watching movies with Dad. I even like school, especially Phys. Ed. Coach Taylor is one of the most inspirational people I know.

When it comes down to it, I’ve really got nothing to be sad about. Not today – and not Monday, either. So next week, I’m going to turn my frown upside down. What about you? What will you be HAPPY about on Monday?

Gotta jet! Have a great weekend and a VERY happy Monday.

- Chase Superman Duffy

May the force be with me

Dad is taking my sister and I to the Telus World of Science in Edmonton this weekend to tour the Star Wars Identities exhibition. It’s going to be SO awesome.

I’m a HUGE Star Wars fan. I think I’ve seen all six flicks about ten times, and that’s not even exaggerating. My friend told me the exhibition has tons of great props and costumes from the movies. But that’s not the main reason I’m so excited.

The whole purpose of the exhibition is to explore character development. Like how Anakin and Luke Skywalker can come from the same planet, have the same genes and yet turn out SO different. I think it has to do with outside influences, and some of the choices they’ve made throughout their lives. Which is great character back story!

I’m working on a new short story for Language Arts class, and my teacher says she really wants to see some excellent character development this time. This family field trip is going to be a BIG help. And, at the end of the exhibition, we even get to make our OWN Star Wars hero! May the force be with me, indeed.

And with you!

Gotta jet! Have a great weekend.

- Chase Superman Duffy

A new hobby for the New Year

So, I see we all survived the apocalypse. Happy New Year! 

Really, the storyteller in me thought there might be something to the Mayan predictions, but I’m too much of a skeptic to believe in that kind of stuff.

Just like I’m not really big on making New Year’s resolutions. I told my family about some of my general self promises, none of which were that surprising. But as for making a list – nah, I don’t have time for that.

Especially now that I’ve got a new wintertime hobby.

My parents bought me snowshoes for Christmas, which could possibly be the best gift ever. One of my goals for this year is to try new things, and I’ve never snowshoed before, that’s for sure.

But it’s so much fun. I caught on pretty quickly, and within ten minutes, I started experimenting with different snow depths. The deeper the snow, the harder the workout. The fields by Grandpa’s house are the best. Nothing but animal tracks. But oh my, is it ever tiring! After half an hour, my legs started aching.

I thought I was in pretty good shape. But my Mom says I’m using new muscles, and that no matter how good my cardio is, I’m going to get tired.

And hungry! When I got back from my first adventure, I could have eaten Grandma’s entire pantry.

I can hardly wait to get back out there this weekend. I’m so lucky to live in a country with different seasons. Snowshoeing has definitely given me a new reason to love winter!

It’s my last few days before we head back to school. My snowshoes are definitely a present I’ll be talking about. How about you? What was your favourite Christmas treat?

Gotta jet – or maybe that’s, “gotta snowshoe” for now. <grin>

- Chase Superman Duffy