Tracey MacNeil 🇨🇦- Rambler Profile

I grew up in Edmonton until I was 12, then moved to Victoria for my teenage years. As a young child, I loved Edmonton – the four seasons, both sets of grandparents nearby, and having all of my family together. I enjoyed playing in the snow, cross-country skiing in the winter, and the long summer nights spent fishing with my brother, dad, and grandfather.

My parents separated in Edmonton and later divorced. My sister and I moved with my mom to Victoria, leaving behind my dad and two older brothers. When I first arrived, I hated Victoria! I was 12, struggling with the typical angst of that age, and I had just left behind half of my family and all of my friends. It was a tough few years of adjustment.

By the time I was 16, I had bought my first car, made a wonderful group of new friends, and lived well. At that point, I truly became a West Coast girl, learning to appreciate the beauty of the island we lived on and the mild climate of the West Coast. Sorry, Edmonton! I still love the hockey team, but I’m never moving back.

The Smartphone—we actually carry a mini computer in our pockets! Remember when math teachers told us we had to learn all that math because we wouldn’t be carrying a calculator everywhere we go? LOL. I’m genuinely amazed at how much I rely on my phone for everything. I would be totally lost without it, but I’d also be happy to go through a ‘detox’ every now and then to reduce my dependency.

I’ve been an Apple iPhone user since my second phone, and while I might eventually break away from that, for now, the interconnectedness of all my devices is both amazing and a little terrifying. Without a phone, computer, iPad, and watch, I'd be lost. And the fact that they all “talk” to each other? That’s kind of scary.

• Completing another marathon – I started running at 41 and set a goal to complete just one marathon at 42. Why not make it the original marathon in Athens, Greece, the year I turned 50? Now, as I approach 60, I’m planning to complete another marathon, but this time as a walk, not a run, in Hawaii in December 2025—if all goes as planned!

• Taking a world cruise – My husband and I have enjoyed several cruises, ranging from 3 days to 28 days. I dream of taking one of those long world cruises where you explore multiple countries and continents over a few months. Cruising offers a taste of different destinations without the hassle of constantly packing and waiting for planes and trains. It’s not for everyone, but I’ve found it to be a fantastic way to travel.

• Doing a group hike in the UK – England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales all make up an adventure I’d love to share with a group. I’ve seen others list this as a bucket list item, and I think it could be an amazing future adventure to experience the beautiful landscapes together.

• Living abroad in Europe (Italy or Spain) – While I’m not planning to move away from Canada anytime soon, I’d love to have a long vacation in Europe. A stay in Italy or Spain would be a dream come true and a perfect way to experience the culture in a deeper way.

• Mastering another language (Spanish or Italian)—After a trip to Europe with my eldest daughter, I met a restaurant owner who spoke five languages fluently and was so impressed. I told him I’d love to do the same, and he asked, “What’s stopping you?” That was a great point—I’d love to master either Spanish or Italian next.

"Pick your battles." I received this advice from one of my managers while working at the University of Victoria. Life is full of challenges, but not every issue needs to be confronted. It’s important to choose your battles wisely and focus your energy on the things that truly matter.

The thing that had the most impact on who I am now was getting married young (at 20) to a man in the Navy, who served for 27 years, and having three kids by the time I was 25. Growing up as a "latchkey kid" in the 1970s, I developed a strong sense of independence, which I think helped prepare me for life as a Navy wife.

There were long stretches of time when my husband was away at sea or on courses across the country, and I had to learn to be self-sufficient and juggle both mom and dad roles while raising our three kids. I also had to adjust when my husband was home, sharing the responsibility of parenting together.

Raising our children from infancy to young adulthood was a constant balancing act, and it taught me to be independent, resilient, and adaptable. I learned to go with the flow because, in the military, nothing is ever guaranteed until it actually happens.

I’m incredibly proud to say we’ve made it through 40 years together (39 years married as of this year).

My perfect day would be like an all-inclusive resort but with a more rustic vibe. I’d wake up from the most restful sleep and step outside to catch a beautiful morning sunrise on the beach. All my meals would be made with the freshest, healthiest, locally sourced ingredients. I’d start the day with a morning meditation followed by coffee and a light breakfast.

Next, I’d go for a walk or hike along a new trail or beach path, then find a peaceful spot to do yoga and more meditation. Afterward, I’d settle down with my book on the beach, reading for hours under the shade of a beautiful tree. When hunger strikes, lunch would be waiting, and then I’d go for a swim, a paddle, or perhaps a horseback ride.

I’d take a siesta in the late afternoon, followed by a game of cards and a refreshing drink. The evening meal would be the most indulgent of the day, likely followed by a decadent dessert. Afterward, I’d go for a sunset stroll along the beach, finding the perfect spot to watch the sun go down.

The rest of the evening would be spent exploring local shops or enjoying entertainment, then winding down with one last meditation before retiring for the night.