From Montreal
Mike reports from his temporary apartment in Montreal, enjoying a cigarette and gawking at the neighbors from his balcony. He encourages his friends in the United States to overcome internal divisions and find a collaborative agenda to address the country's instability.
Good afternoon, this is Mike George coming to you from Montreal. It is a beautiful Sunday morning. I am talking to you from my new work laptop. Unlike my previous job at a traditional utility company, this laptop isn’t blocked from social media. I’m using the laptop, because my phone doesn't work well up here; I think Verizon hates that I’m in Canada, though they haven’t charged me hundreds of dollars in data fees yet.
I am currently in my temporary apartment in Montreal with my roommates Philip and Paula. The place is a mess right now, because we had a little soirée last night. This is our little yard space out here.
(Addressing viewers commenting)
Hi, Charlie from Columbus! I miss Columbus. We should have a "dual" between Columbus and Montreal to see which city has the "hottest boys" to determine which is the superior city. There are cute boys everywhere here; it’s maddening. Charlie, you should come to Montreal Pride; it’s a beautiful time of year.
Jacob, you are on my list of people to see in Montreal. We need to do some "bucket list" items, like visiting Musée des Beaux Arts. I used to live right by it and never went. We should also go to the YMCA together; I’ve been going every morning before work, and though I'm sore, it feels great.
It is a beautiful day, actually above freezing, which is rare for Montreal this time of year. I love the typical Montreal courtyard and porch views.
I’m having a cigarette, but cigarettes in Canada are highly government-regulated. You only have a choice between "blue" and "red" ones, and the packaging is covered in mandatory health labels in both English and French. It even has a duty stamp on it. I really do need to stop smoking, but I’m going to indulge for now.
Hi, Alex! Alex is in Singapore for the Chinese New Year weekend. It’s the Year of the Dog, which I think is a sign from God that I need to get a dog this year. However, I need to get a "boy" first, because I’m a busy working woman and can't take care of a dog by myself.
Regarding my new job, I love it so much. It’s going to be busy and frantic, but for a good cause. I’m making less money at the moment, but I see it as a small "blip in the road" before a healthy ascent to stardom.
I miss Columbus, but I just needed to "get the fuck out" for a moment. Honestly, the United States is falling apart rapidly, and it's scaring me. To my friends back in America: you all have to take care of each other. I believe there is a built-in resiliency in the American system, and the country will come out stronger, but right now it’s a clusterfuck.
People need to stop fighting among themselves over who gets the credit or which foundation is funding whom. You need a joint collaborative agenda to show the people. I didn’t necessarily plan to end up back in Canada just to run away, but I have to keep one foot in that situation to try to be part of the solution.
Philip, we are on Facebook Live! Do you want some tea? I’m going to make us some bagels with smoked salmon.
I went to the PA Supermarché earlier; it’s a stressful experience but rewarding, much like the city itself.
It’s about 12:11, so it’s time for me to go inside and enjoy some tea with Philip. There are squirrels dancing on the power lines out here.
Take care of each other down there in the States! Now I just have to figure out how to shut this off on the laptop. There’s the button: "End Broadcast." Bye, y’all! XOXO.
