Sunday, July 20, 2008

Oh Canada

Just in case you were concerned about unrealistic models portraying an unattainable image of perfection, get a load of this guy.And I thought all advertising was aspirational....
If I buy this gum, can I be like him?

We're leaving Canada this afternoon and I'll be taking with me some exciting memories of gorgeous waterfalls, stunning mountains, crystal blue lakes.... and a very white man in an orange Speedo.

Funny thing is, I went to Calgary when I was 8 years old with my family. My stand out memory from that trip was a swim in the high-rise hotel pool. A very white man had come to swim laps wearing a Canadian flag Speedo. The sides and back of the Speedo were red, the front was white with a flaming red maple leaf sprawled out over the extreme center . Why is this the memory that persists through time? Why can't I remember my high school history lessons or the formula for pi? Why is the Canadian flag Speedo in the brain file of unforgettable memories?

At least I've got another Speedo memory to add to my Canadian travelogue. I'll never forget it. That and the little old man that asked us if we were on our honeymoon. Sort of, mister, sort of.
Coming Tomorrow:
That Rhubarb Streusal Coffee Cake

22 comments:

Peter M said...

Aren't we good folks? I hope you enjoyed your stay and you've reminded me, I need to pack my Speedo for my trip to Greece. ;)

Anonymous said...

I love going somewhere with The Husband, away from the stresses of everyday life... acting like teenagers fresh in love.
You are a beautiful couple! I'm glad you had a great trip.
~The Cat's Pajamas

Anonymous said...

I HAVE GOT to buy some of that delicious gum! Is it really gum? It looks like potatot chips? Too funny? And you two really are a beautiful couple! What a fun trip. We've had fun visiting with your littles!

gigi said...

Oh, look how happy and relaxed you look! Glad your trip was so fun. AS for speedos, I don't care what color they are ther're all gross! Was the gum any good though?

MK and Co. said...

My, what a handsome couple. You're speedo story was hilarious! I swear those type of images are always burned in brains for forever. There's no getting rid of them no matter how hard you try. You guys looked like you had a wonderful time. Have a safe trip home!

Anne said...

Funny Speedo stories! It sounds like a wonderful trip.

You guys are so cute together- I hope you've had fun away from the kiddos!

Jenny said...

That advertising company had to be a little nuts with the speedo guy! Seriously funny though!

You and your hubby look adorable, makes me want to go on a nice vactation!!

Emily said...

Wow! You look like a model.

Pamela said...

What a great picture of you both! It sounds like you had a really nice time. How funny that you about the Canadian flag Speedo-guy...somethings you can't forget no matter how hard you try! ;oP

Leslie said...

Oh Prudy,
What a cute picture.
I would have thought you were on your honeymoon, too.
Can you believe we're all going on a honeymoon to Europe with our men and Mom and Dad!!!!!!
Hilarious. I hope we'll be able to stand one another without our children around.

Anyway, looks like you had a wonderful time. Call me so you can tell me alll about it, and the fascinating people you are sure to have befriended.

Leslie said...

How could I have forgotten to comment on the Speedo?
Of course, I remember the Canadian Speedo! It was so shocking, I'm sure we all remember it.
That was one of our best trips.
I loved the hotel and the top floor swimming pool, and riding the elevators. It was also the trip when Noel Renouf pretended she was smoking! I never forgot that either.

Leslie said...

One more Speedo Comment.
I just saw a picture of Arnold Schwarzenegger in a magazine wearing a Speedo. It was awful and I wondered why on earth Maria let him wear one. It made me think less of Maria.
It also reminded me of a man in our ward who showed up to the ward party in white shorts with dark black socks. Why didn't his wife tell him, No Way!
And where was the Canadians' wife to tell him to go back to his room until he could find something decent to swim in.
All right, these are my random, long-winded thoughts.

Aunt Spicy said...

Miss Purdy,
Love your speedo stories! Hilarious! At Christmas we will have to swap Canada speedo stories. This is how mine starts: "A couple years ago I was in Halifax, the same week the French Aircraft Carrier the Charles de Gaulle was in port...." And this is how the story ends: "...its hard to fear a navy who all wear speedos."

Katie said...

I am looking forward to your coffee cake. I love your blog!

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

I think just about every Speedo story is funny. Enjoy your time of with your huddy and enjoy Canada too!

Clumbsy Cookie said...

You guys look so cute!

Sharon said...

Adorable picture of you two! Now, for the speedo man, no comment. :)

Michal said...

i love that photo of you and the quiet man. you look just as young and in love as you did all those years ago . . .
i am so cracking up over the canadian flag speedo memory. i'm not surprised that it is seared on your mind. such things should really be illegal!:)

Sara said...

What a cute couple you are. Sounds like you had a fun vacation, I can't wait for my 2nd, 3rd, 4th and so on honeymoon!!! Welcome back!

Anonymous said...

Well, Hello Prudi!!! What a great little blog you have going there...I thought I'd come on and take a look around and see what's cooking...: )To my surprise...familiar photos of Canada, the Rockies and cucumbers were front and center! I am so glad that you enjoyed your Canadian getaway and it was my pleasure to have guided you to all of our natural wonders.
~ With Big Love ~ Your Canadian Tour Director.
(minus one red and white speedo...you know there are hypnosis sessions that will help you heal from that aweful recurring memory of red speedos!!)

Prudy said...

Earthmagic:
I'm so glad you left a comment! I heard your voice in my sleep all week. I need you to narrate the goings-on of my life with your soothing voice and witty style! You are Queen Goddess Tour Director! I'm going to shoot you an email for that butter chicken recipe!

Jaime said...

you guys are so cute together! i am laughing at that ad!!!

btw - i just referred someone else to your blog b/c you guys share similar goals - pop on by her new blog and say hi :)
http://tunanuna.wordpress.com/