Certain words will likely never evoke a positive vibe.
Take for example, Titanic, homework and staycations.
“Want a ride on my new boat?”
“What’s it called?”
“The Titanic II.”
“Maybe after you break it in.”
As well, when will you ever hear this exchange?
A mother says, “Sure, Billy, you can go to the movies, just finish your homework first.”
“Oh, excellent. I forgot about that essay and two hours of algebra. Thanks for the helpful reminder, Mom.”
["Anyone want to cycle to Pt. Bruce for some camping?": photo GH]
And the word staycation doesn’t light up many conversations because it is linked to hard-hitting words like ‘recession,’ phrases like ‘the high gas prices’ and jarring changes to the tableau of family memories.
Why, years ago, interested family members once commonly stood at the dock and waved hankies as relatives sailed off to Europe on the Queen Elizabeth II, and called out, “Have a great vacation. Don’t forget to send us a postcard. Watch out for ice bergs. Ha Ha!”
Today, many grown and worried children now stand in the edge of their back deck as their parents, in the back half of the yard, zip up the flaps on their Woodsman 3-man-tent under cloudy skies, and call out, “Have a great staycation. Phone us on your cell in the morning if you want coffee. And the back door is open if you need the bathroom.”
That being said, staycations in Canada - and elsewhere - will take on a more positive feel when conservation of finite resources is regarded or valued more highly, but that day is likely a long way off.
For now, however, the staycation will keep its somewhat negative image because of its connection to the most recent recession and high fuel costs.
Other factors play a role too.
Stay tuned.
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