Find a Funny Friend (and do it fast!)

These quotes from Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain capture my thoughts (and observations) about the theme of this edition of The READ: that without humour, you are simply not fully functioning as the human spirit you were destined to be. A sense of humour is like a warm ray of sunshine; it provides the light that guides you in solving life’s problems and offers you a generous and healthy perspective.

A sense of humour is your mirror, allowing you to see, hear and understand yourself as others see, hear and understand you. It makes you real; less ego-driven and inevitably happier.

When my sense of humour kicks in, I am reminded to “not sweat the small stuff,” and I soon realize that a great deal of what stresses people is, in fact, small stuff.

The ability to laugh at the world and at ourselves opens doors, eliminates social barriers, and can turn a tense situation into a creative, free-wheeling encounter filled with openness and laughter. We gain valuable insight into people’s intellect, personality and attitude. With humour, we are made free and reminded that it is OK to have fun, to be spontaneous, and to “dance like no one’s watching”!

John Walsh, one of my oldest university friends, is a person who can always make me laugh. Fortunately, over all the years we’ve known each other, we are still buddies, so I know there is a large dose of laughter heading my way whenever we get together.

What makes John so funny? To begin with, no one remembers or tells a joke better than John. In fact, he is so talented at this fine art, that sometimes you don’t even realize he is telling you a joke; on more than one occasion I have found myself listening to John recount an incident or story, when all of a sudden he comes to the part where you realize that he has been stringing you along throughout the entire narrative — which, of course, makes the entire scene even funnier. I love it!

John is English, and his dry wit and ability to turn on his charming accent at the most opportune times, or inject tales of his “mates” or words such as “blimey” into his sentences can make me double over. Somehow, conversation with John just flows and before I know it, I am in the middle of another rollicking tale.

John Walsh is good for my health, and I look forward to our phone calls and visits. Nothing is quite as good as spending time with an old friend and laughing the evening away. I always know that there will be tears of mirth when we are together and that the multiple worries that I have layered in my mind will melt away and I will leave feeling young and free.

Schools are busy places and, at times, intense places. Branksome girls have always aimed high and they work hard. Yet, in assembly, when the students take over, to everyone’s delight, humour is always their tool of choice. They know that shared laughter brings them together as a community. Laughter relaxes them and reminds them that they are at a great school and have wonderful friends.

I hope that you have a friend who makes you laugh. If you don’t, it is not too late — take the time to seek one out and just start spending more time with him or her! Just drop me a line if you need John’s phone number; I am sure he will agree to be your funny friend!

And in the meantime, remember what funny man Bill Cosby had to say on the subject: “Through humour you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation may be, you can survive it.” I

From The Editor

The family dinner party was planned for Saturday, March 28. The occasion would overlap with Earth Hour — from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. — a global initiative, and a time when every citizen is asked to reduce energy consumption. This was going to be fun.

by Tanya Pimenoff

Lights Out, Laughter On

My gang always looks forward to a rip-roaring good time. I was organized early — stuffed chickens were in the oven by 5, veggies ready to zap, table set, and candles — now where were they? I found a few, plus some votives — that should do it.

8:15 — dessert plates were cleared and coffee was ready. We gathered in the living room. The candles provided a lovely low light. Someone piped up: shouldn’t we be in total darkness? Aren’t candles using energy of a sort? I don’t know. Let’s just keep a few on, so we can find our drinks. Okay, 15 minutes until blackout. Everyone found a seat, beer/wine/coffee in hand. Let’s get that computer turned off. Someone disconnected Fleetwood Mac from the stereo, and the baby boomers suggested we do away with texting and blackberries too — hurray!

8:20 — we were so ready, why wait any longer? Porch light out, kitchen light out — check upstairs — yes, all out. What are the neighbours up to? Peering down the street, many homes still looked pretty bright. They’re just not as organized.

So our Earth Hour began. Shall we play a game? How about charades (too dark) or “in my suitcase I packed?” No takers. As we’re a pretty funny group, I suggested we describe a personal funny moment; one that stands out. Sounds like good times. I’m elected to begin.

I recounted how, many moons ago, I was at my daughters’ Christmas Carol Concert; the school gymnasium was filled with hundreds of proud parents and friends. First, we would hear from the older kids in the band. They played O Canada. I thought it was O Canada I was singing to, but maybe it wasn’t. Indistinguishable carols followed — a cacophony of tunes from a variety of instruments. Oh dear… help! One look at my brother (witty and humorous in his own right) and I was reduced to a stomach-clutching laughing fit, bent over, tears streaming down — all the more painful for trying to keep quiet. How terribly inappropriate! For 10 minutes the band played and I agonized silently… painfully. For those who remember, it was a true “Mary Tyler Moore” moment. It was brilliant!

Many great stories emerged as we sat in my living room — one tiny blackedout speck in the universe — preserving energy until well after 10 p.m. If it were up to me, I’d have Earth Hour every day, such was the fun we had. That being said, you might want some light as you pore over this issue of The READ. Before you turn to the humorous anecdotes and stories inside, may I just say to all the alumnae, colleagues, friends and family out there with whom I’ve shared laughter and fun — I cannot thank you enough! I

From The President Of The Alumnae Association

by Jane CONNOR’84