Our expat community thrives on connection, and here at jingkids, we’re all about our readers, and what they need and want in order to maximize their time here in Beijing. Every week, we will feature a prominent member of our expat community and get to know them a little bit better.
Steve Northcott is a teacher, artist, musician, storyteller, movie maker, fiscally responsible Canadian who loves travel, instruments, pickleball and hockey (but not at the same time), and people who do nice things. He’s fairly mediocre at everything he does, he just happens to do a lot.
What’s On Your Mind?
Given the time of day, I am normally thinking about what I am going to make for dinner. Having said that, the theme of my thoughts changes on the regular. Since I started typing this sentence I have thought about the following things: Why are my Survivor Football picks so trash? When is a socially acceptable time for a middle-aged man to take his first nap of the day? It’s amazing that people still go to watch professional baseball live. What will my next tattoo be? I want to cut grass for a living. As a grown man, should I stop wearing jerseys or wear them more? These days, my mind is a constant battle between trying to enjoy the present and preparing myself for a life outside of China. Both of which seem to be difficult to fathom at the present. At one time, I believed that pineapple on a pizza was a horrible idea but since then I have changed my mind which I think says a lot on my ability to grow as a person.
What’s Your Motivation To Get Moving?
I am excited to retire but I never want to be bored. So, I am always wanting to do more. To figure things out. To create. I have a difficult time with rest. So, I don’t need much motivation to get moving to be fair. But to use a quote, I guess I would share the wise words of David Bowie, “I don’t know where I am going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.
What Keeps You Sane In All The Madness?
The house of madness has many doors. Be sure to open every one.
What’s Your Favorite Thing About Beijing?
The restrictions over the past few years have been tough, so focusing on the positives is a healthy exercise. I love that in Beijing, we are capable of the ridiculous, being creative, and satisfying our cravings. My favorite activities in Beijing include Sunday nights with the greatest hockey league ever assembled, playing guitar with my band, playing golf with the greatest bunch of duffers the Middle Kingdom has ever seen, and getting the opportunity to dine with my family as much as possible. Most of those activities don’t have to be accompanied by a cold beer, but it just so happens that it’s okay if it does. Stay groovy Beijing.
KEEP READING: William Lindesay’s 35-Year Love Affair With The Great Wall
Images: Steve and Hannah Northcott
