The Canada Day Game!

Unless you have a close friend who is a Canadian, or unless you are a Canadian, you probably missed the big holiday yesterday. No worries. It is apparently just an excuse to watch a lot of hockey, I'm not real certain on any other special Canada Day traditions.

The way I hear it, Canada gained independence on July 1, 1867. This is perplexing to me, because I swore they still had the Queen of England as their figurehead, but what do I know? I'm apparently just an ignorant American. (Somewhat true story: So I was self-employed last year, meaning my taxes were a nightmare. I was on hold yesterday for 40 minutes with the IRS, listening to the William Tell Overture over and over again on the hold music--you would thinkthey could afford more hold songs--waiting so that I could clear up two problems that had recently come up with my 2007 taxes. I went ahead and ate lunch with my Canadian while the phone played hold music for us, and we began to discuss Canada Day. I made a few cracks about the Queen, Canada just trying to copy America and steal our thunder by picking July 1, and the fact that is so cold they couldn't even get out of their igloos long enough to declare independence until July. None of those were received very well. About 28 minutes into the hold music though, I begin to rant against the US Government and such, and that wasn't taken well either. Apparently you can't make fun of Canada and then rip your own country 10 minutes later...)

So, I don't know much about Canada Day. I admit it. I do know I have created the GREATEST GAME EVER! Okay, follow me here. Say you go to a convenience store to buy some Gatorade and a Diet Rockstar. This can be on July 1 or any other day, because we are all just ignorant Americans anyway. As you are paying for you items, look the cashier directly in the eye and say, "Oh! I see you are celebrating Canada Day." When they say, "What?", just go ahead and nod your head and say, "You know, Canada Day." Look like you expect them to know exactly what you are talking about. When they look perplexed, you need to look slightly embarrassed and say, "Oh. Sorry. I guess not." Now leave as quickly as possible. This cashier will spend the rest of the day wondering what he or she was wearing to make you think that, or what they might have said, or what the traditions of Canada Day are that would make you think that they were celebrating it. Also, by leaving quickly, you can hide your hysterical laughter.

Go ahead, try it anywhere. Grocery stores, restaurants, pretty much anywhere where you talk to someone you do not know very briefly. When that gets old, create other holidays. Made up holidays are almost as fun.

Happy Canada Day!