And no, I'm not from Canada, eh.

So I have this conversation with people sometimes.
Actually, more than sometimes. I have this conversation a LOT. With strangers, and acquaintances, and parents of friends, and that guy sitting opposite me on the tram, and that teacher who took me for a class once, and the girl serving me at LOTF and the customer at my work and SO MANY PEOPLE I HAVE LOST COUNT. It goes something like this:
Anonymous Person: "Where does your unusual accent come from?"
Me: "Ha. It's funny you ask because, I don't know."
Anonymous Person: "You... don't know?"
Me: "No. I've never been out of the country, my parents were born in Australia, I've always lived in Melbourne..."
Anonymous Person: "Really? How strange, I thought you sounded Canadian."

THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME.
So please don't ask. I can't answer your question. I'm really sorry that my vowels are too high. I'm really sorry that I pronounce things weirdly. I'm sorry that I have a strange twang to my voice. I'm sorry I can't explain why I have a weird twang to my voice.
BUT I CAN'T CHANGE IT SO THERE.

Not that there's anything wrong with being Canadian. I always get asked if I'm Canadian first, followed by English, followed by American. I am not so fond of the American suggestion, because I worry that maybe I sound like I should be running a turkey farm out in Utah with my mormon family. And I'm not entirely sure that would be a good thing.
But actually, I am quite fond of Canada. And Canadians.
Here is my list of cool Canadians, just for kicks:
-Jim Carrey
-Tegan And Sara
-Barenaked Ladies
-Leonard Cohen
-Brendan Fraser (and I hear you scoff at this one, but if you've ever seen the movie "Crash", you will understand how awesome he is.)
-Jack Kerouac.... I love you more than life itself.

So actually, I feel okay about being mistaken as Canadian. They are a pretty cool bunch of people.
Except let's just forget the seal clubbing.
Also about Keanu Reeves and William Shatner.
Thanks.

Anna xx