5 things to do that don't involve 5 rings

I live 4.5 hours drive away from Vancouver, but I can feel it in the air even here.

It's excitement over the big Olympic stuff - but more palpable is the tension this event has created in our different Canadian communities. I say Canadian because although the games are in British Columbia (and BC taxpayers will be shouldering a burden for a while), let's not forget the feds that have put us collectively on the hook for this dinner bill.

Okay, I'll put my soapbox aside. There are positives and not-so-positives for every super duper expensive thing that our government decides or not decides to do on our behalf. I'm grateful that I can bring my voice forward and have these conversations with people.

Wat about the zillions of people who aren't going to have anything to do with this year's big deal?

If you're not attending the gig with the five big rings, don't fret: this is Canada and we have a lot of nifty stuff going on. The ring games are in BC so I'll keep the details here; just to let everyone know they still have options. However, if you live elsewhere, take the spirit of the list and apply it to your neck of the woods. Your local businesses will love you for it.


drink wine

Oh come on. You should know by now that if it's a to-do list made by me it's going to have something to do with fermentation.

Great wine is closer than you think. It's a local winery, a VQA store, your local liquor store (private or BCL) or your cousin Teresa's basement. It's even available for you to purchase online. And Vinifico does a great job of wine blogging for those computer types. There's also winecountrybc for information on great grapes. Have a glass. It's good for your health.


visit art

Public art galleries, private studios or city graffiti - art is everywhere. And it's significantly underfunded. Yeah, yeah...I know. I won't get on the soapbox again. Promise. But it's true - your local arts and culture organizations are having a tough go financially and they can really use your support. If you don't know where to start, let your fingers do the walking on your keyboard here for tips on finding great local art-type stuff.

But don't take my word for it. Get in touch with your local chamber of commerce to find out where the art stuffs are in your neighbourhood. Go get cultured.


go outside

It's winter. It's Canada. There's a good chance you're a) covered in snow, b) covered in ice, or c) stuck without access to your usual local playgrounds because of a set of five colourful rings.

We're Canadians. We adapt, overcome and do it all with a smile on our faces - and a coffee in hand. Snow hates snowshoes, so go rent some and stomp that snow to smithereens. Ice doesn't like skates, so grab a pair and carve up that surface (or stumble a lot like I do). Walk on the beach, wheel along the sidewalk or head into the woods. Whatever you do, do it outside. Take a bottle of BC wine with you; it won't need a cooler, and with those handy twist-off caps you're all set. Just remember to pack in and pack out.


cook (or eat) something

I'm with the bears when it comes to winter: I hibernate. My personal addition to their winter ritual is that I eat. More.

Winter is the best time to get creative with food. Sure, there's less local fresh produce available (by less I mean nil), but that shouldn't stop you. Go to your favourite snack spot and chat up the chef - chances are he or she has a little more time on their hands right now, but that just means they'll have more time to talk about how and what they love to cook. Have a good meal, made either by yourself, someone you love or someone who you love what they cook. Invite others to join you. Feed.


read more

With Canada Reads and Canada Also Reads practically sitting in our laps, it's time to hit the books. With gusto.

Maybe you're a Kindle fan (I still think it sounds like it's made of chocolate), or maybe you like the feel and smell of pulp and paper. Doesn't matter. There are a ton of ways to join the read action. You can do it at home alone, with friends or in public - and unlike some other fun things, it's completely legal. Get a book and get your read on.


If you're feeling adventurous you can do it all in one day: go for a walk, hit the local art gallery, visit the bookstore and go for dinner with a friend before heading home to curl up under a thick blanket with a glass of wine and that new read.

Overcome, Canadians. Don't let the rings get you down.


~ Jeannette