danielbaylis.ca

Hey Lovers!

It feels like it’s been such a long time. Let’s never be apart this long ever again, okay?

I had a really lovely week with family in town from British Columbia (sister, bro-in-law and nephew). We did lots of walking about the city, shared some delicious meals and curled up on the couch for trashy television – I discovered the rugged thrill of Mantracker!

Another joy of the past week was holding my little nephew in my arms. I consider my Montreal blogger lifestyle fairly dynamic. And by this I mean that my day-to-day reality changes frequently; I appreciate this constant flux. But even with this eclectic life there are certain things that are absent, and one of these is the opportunity to interact with children. I am by no means Kindergarten teacher material, but I do appreciate the candidness of kids, the unhardened-ness of youth.  I think whipper-snappers are good times.

ONE OF LIFE’S BIG QUESTIONS

As I walked quietly through the Parc Jeanne-Mance with my nephew sleeping on my chest, the purest of occasions was presented. There was no place else I wanted to be, but in that moment with a bundle of human potential in my care. Amid my active imagination and tendency to be in multiple mental places at any given time, this is quite the feat — being present.

Yet eventually the situation (ironically) elicited a beautiful life question that pulled me from the present-ness of holding a baby in my arms, and into envisioning the future. It’s a question that most people pose to themselves — do I want to have children?

For some folks, the answer is a resounding yes or no. They are very clear about their intentions regarding this major life decision. I, however, fluctuate. My tentative response involves two major factors: money and partnership. I need to feel financially secure enough to provide for another human being, and I would prefer to have a partner with whom to raise children (I’m considering employing the help of Mantracker). For now, I suppose the question is less urgent until I have other variables secured. It’s the old “cart before the horse” analogy. I’d still like to buy some horses before I buy some babies. Or something like that.

But one thing is certain. Regardless of whether I decide to have children or not, I do know is that I’m certainly going to keep trying to make babies.

NEVER-ENDING TUTORIALS

As a “Montreal Ambassador,” it’s always helpful for me to see the city through the eyes of visitors. For instance, with my sister and bro-in-law, the Bixi bikes and the autumn foliage action were big hits, whereas my restaurant suggestion for Old Montreal was considered under-inspiring. Good to know.  Each day I learn more and more about my city. It’s a never-ending tutorial.

And speaking of my work as a Montreal Ambassador, I’ve come to an important decision about my next career move. My current contract with Tourisme Montreal expires in December, and I recently informed my team that I would be pursuing personal projects for 2011. It will most likely involve traveling and telling stories of my adventures. The world awaits me with its own never-ending tutorial.

It has truly been an AMAZING two years blogging for Tourisme Montreal. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that have been bestowed upon me, and I intend on ending my contract with a bang*. I shall definitely be writing more about this big life decision in the coming weeks. But, before this announcement gets dragged through the tabloids, I emphasize that the decision has nothing to do with mal-contentedness, and everything to do with chasing a big adventurous dream.

Besides, if I’m going to be a father, I need to get out there and practice making babies.

xoxo

Daniel

* Free bangs for anyone (in this post) who travels to Montreal before the end of December!

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