Tuesday, January 26, 2010

On acquiring a simple bottle of rum!

"Here's to alcohol: the cause of, and answer to, all of life's problems." - Homer Simpson



I've discovered how difficult it is to get a bottle of rum here.  Must be why the bootleggers make such great business.

First, you have to get a permit for each bottle you want to order, every time you order alcohol. The permit office is only open 9-noon and 1:30 to 4:00, so unless you're unemployed,or your boss is ok with you taking time off work to go buy booze (not likely) you're out of luck. You have to arrange for shipping yourself, and they don't tell you where to call to order it in the first place. Apparently, that information is classifed. It's a freaking secret society.

I can understand why they make it so difficult, to discourage people from drinking in the first place. However, I really think there should be a place you can go to purchase a permit that is like a licence (good for a year) order your booze, and arrange to have it shipped all at the same time.  

Sunday, January 24, 2010

On Loneliness

“We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone.” - Orson Wells

I think the excitement and newness of living here has worn off, and the reality of being away from family and friends is setting in.  I'm in between that stage of 'getting to know this new city' and 'having a circle of friends'.  Although I'm here with my husband and four year old daughter, I feel the need to connect with others. 

My world seems very small right now.  I go to work, come home, do chores and scan facebook, then wait for the next work day to come.  I'm ready for the next step, which is having a social life!  I'm too broke to join any clubs or go out to the bars.  I am wondering how to go about organizing a group of some sort to get together with every week and do.....  I really don't care what.  Have coffee, do crafts, chat, whatever.  I feel like a desperate, friendless social reject at this point.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

So, it's been a while

So much has happened in the last year, where do I start. Big move for us a few months ago. We packed up and moved to Nunavut! We love it up here, even with the crazy cold weather. Today was no exception, temperature with the windchill was -52C . That's about -62 Farenheit. You know its cold when the locals are complaining about the weather!

When we moved here, we decided not to buy a car. Gas is expensive, about $1.35/litre or $5/ gallon. We don't live too far from work, and if we need to take a taxi, rides are only $6 per person, and kids ride free. I usually take a taxi to bring Sarah to daycare in the morning. Then I either walk or cab it to work, depending on the weather. So a couple of days ago, I'm walking back from the daycare with Sarah in the sled. It's a 30 min walk, it's -44C with the wind, I forgot to wear my snowpants so I'm freezing and the wind is stinging my legs. Hurrying as best I can to get back home before I turn into a popsicle. Sarah starts mumbling some complaints, I can barely hear her over the wind and traffic. mommy......Mommy...MOMMMYYYY!! I finally stop and ask her 'What's wrong?' and she says ...KNOCK KNOCK!

Glad to know she is toasty warm in her Canada Goose parka and snowpants with Baffin boots. I, on the other hand, am still wearing the short jacket I wore in Ontario and am feeling the wrath of winter. My biggest mistake wasn't only forgetting my snowpants when I left for work in the morning, but wearing the tightest jeans I own. Lesson learned, I will be toting my winter gear with me everywhere I go from now on! We do live just below the arctic circle after all.