Thursday, June 24, 2010

As different as day and night...

Is it blasphemous to say that you don't want to see the sun? I suppose it would be if you had read my blog entries from the dark season last year, but my attention span is quite short. I so sick of the sun; actually, no, that's not true...I miss the night. It's been months since I've seen true darkness and, with the summer solstice this week, it is even more obvious. I'm so tired.

Actually, something that is blasphemous is the state of this blog. I've been in my new home for more than a week yet have only written one entry. What's that about? It's not like I've been crazy with work - at least not work that I get paid for...I'm officially on summer vacation.

Qikiqtarjuaq, my new hometown, is still a mystery to me. I have been too much of a hermit, but I think I needed a little bit of that after leaving Pang; sure, it would've been nice to do that on some tropical beach - to not have to speak with anyone and, instead, drink girly drinks - but that really wasn't an option. Here my company has been Judge Pirro, Judge Joe Brown, Maury, and the Cake Boss. The first three confirm my life could be a whole lot worse and that last one tells me where I want to visit the next time I visit the New York tri-state area.

Now, for moving day...

You see, Scarlett and Gryphon could tell there was something going on as soon as the boxes started coming out. Wow, I hate packing; they could probably pick up on this as well. Something I figured out? A handful of lavendar in the dog carrier works wonders...they're still jumping in and out!

I was packing (with a lot of help) right down to the wire. I did, however, get a few hours of sleep in the nasty light. The morning of my departure the ravens had gathered to pick through the garbage; those birds are crazy! I think I've always associated them with crows (sorry Clare), but they're totally different...and quite devious. Check out their size in this picture: I know the lighting makes it difficult to see the dogs, but the bird is bigger than both!

Now, I have a few pictures of leaving Pangnirtung, but I think I will focus more on the arrival in Qikiqtarjuaq...new adventures are better than old goodbyes. Check these pictures out:

Over Auyuittuq Park...

The hamlet of Qikiqtarjuaq...


The landing strip...


...and everything looks sub-standard because of my crappy camera...

The flight came in on a beautiful day; one during which I actually appreciated the sun. As with all of my northern experiences, it seems like people are generally happy, confused, or busy when you arrive at an airport; I've never really met anyone who was angry...ok, maybe I should add 'frustrated' to that list. When I got off the plane I was determined to be happy but this was met with either confusion or frustration.

No one was at the airport to meet me, so I asked someone to take me to the housing office, and I don't think anyone was too impressed.You see, even though I had contacted someone at housing the previous week on the phone, everyone else claimed to have no idea that I was arriving. The person I had spoken with had actually gone on vacation without telling anyone!!! Fortunately, they ended up giving me the master key to my unit...a unit that had been allocated to my position but to which the paperwork hadn't been completed. Ahh!


When I finally got into my place, I realized how much of a waste it was to bring some of the stuff I did from Pang. I didn't have a huge 'house sale' because I thought I was moving into a similar housing unit...a housing unit with nothing but furniture - not even a shower curtain! Ok knew it had a tv and a microwave, but I didn't know it had absolutely everything else. Dishes, cutlery, pots, pans, towels, bookshelves, coffeepot, etc. This list goes on and on. I could've made so much money in Pang by selling stuff, but it's a nasty lesson I had to learn the hard way.
Anyway, I met a few people and, although they probably think I'm a little crazy, it's better that they find that out now. My dogs, as always, have already earned me an identity ('the girl with the two little dogs'). I don't particularly think it's the best thing and, unfortunately, it's going to get worse - explanation to follow. I suppose I'll survive. The biggest problem that I'm having with them now would be the kids; yes, I'm guilty of not having them socialized enough for the jerkiness and unexpected movements of children. The little girl next door comes over daily asking to see them, and I feel sooo rude when I say no. That's the way, however, I've been advised to react. Now it's to the point of kids tormenting the pups from outside..."hi doggies, what are you doing? Ruff, ruff, ruff!"...while the dogs get worked up into a frenzy and bark until they vomit.

Now, explanation of the comment above? My little northern family will be welcoming a brand new St. Bernard this summer. Yup, it's true. Last year it would've been perfect. This year, however, I'm a bit scared of what the kids will get up to...I can't leave her alone in the house with the little dogs when I'm at work, so I'll have to be a bit creative. I guess you'll get a laugh from my updates throughout the year.

Anyway, I have to run. My plane south to a land with a moon and stars begins tomorrow morning. I'm tired. I want to rest with the convenience of Indian food and lassie (or maybe wings and a cold beer) - something I haven't enjoyed in almost a year. I spent Christmas in the north and, though I made a weekend trip to Ottawa for an emergency visit to the vet, I haven't had the chance to fully enjoy grass and trees and lattes and Tim's coffee and movie theaters and roadtrips and and and...a full day/night cycle.

Please, no more earthquakes...I want to be in Ottawa by 5 pm tomorrow.



1 comment:

Sarah said...

So glad to see you on your new adventure. I look forward to hearing all about it!