I’m in Toronto Canada for a meeting with First Command Financial Planners. Since they plan for a living, they have every detail down ahead of time. Like that we’re going to Hawaii in two years. They’ll have everything tested and everything will be done on time and organized. If you take a bus tour with us we will never be late. Most likely we’ll be early. As I said last year, I’m impressed with the quality of this company. I didn’t even mention that they rented out the Atlanta aquarium last year.

I noticed that no one laughed at the joke one speaker told about cheating on your wife. Fidelity and loyalty is important professionally and personally. As a wife I appreciate that. I guess heard too many stories of infidelity when I was dating. I’m really interested in strong marriages. I don’t see how you can do one thing in your personal life and another professionally.

This year’s conference had more great speakers. Good food. The redneck band played again and it’s so far from the actual culture that it’s even more funny. They recognized everyone from the top performers to the head chef. Feels like family (except in my family no one drinks).

I’m frustrated that in the great city of Toronto I’ve had the worst luck at getting good food. As always we eat well at the meeting but when we explore we have had bad luck. Part of the problem is my husband is a meat and potatoes kind of guy and I’m an ethnic/healthy/spicy kind of eater. I was vegetarian for several years (in college). Our compromise could explain why I’ve gained 10-15 lbs in a year. That’s the most I’ve ever gained in a year besides when I had my son.

This is my 3rd trip to Canada and my first to Toronto. What an amazing city. Even though it’s the wettest and coldest July on record!

What I’m learning about Canada from visiting Toronto for 5 days:
- Because we’re on the lakefront, I feel like I’m always on water and am starting to feel dizzy (as in seasick) all of the time. Not horribly so but just a tad.
- The pop tastes different and no one seems to have Dr. Pepper – Coke products rule.
- There are a lot of strikes. Right now the trash collectors and some of the train operators. I thought this only happened in Europe!
- Any time there is a fire at least 2 fire trucks show up. I’ve seen more fire trucks here in 5 days than I have for years back home.
- I like the Canadian side of Niagra falls more than the US side.
- Canadians seem to compare themselves to the US a lot when I rarely read about Canada or hear about Canadian political or social affairs in the US.

Toronto is such a gentle city – compared to many large cities I’ve been to, it feels very safe. Next year is Washington DC. Thanks for a great year!

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