Cold

Dec. 20

I hate to whine – but I am cold.  Something is wrong with the heat in the apartment and I end up calling the manager’s office daily.  I have even had to call the after hours number when the heat conks out at 1 in the morning (still a night owl).



Now cold outside is to be expected.  The wind chill hit -48 yesterday and I was out and about the town. I stopped into the Hamlet office (nothing Shakespearean about it – Baker Lake is technically a hamlet, not a town or village) to see about a driver’s licence.  I waited and waited and was getting hot in my parka – but my feet were cold and never did warm up. By the time I left it would be safe to call the weather a blizzard, but I had more stops to make so I kept going.  I went to the KSO – sort of like going to the school board office – and checked on my dental benefits and learned I have to call someone else.  Next was the Health Centre to fill out a release of info form so my medical records can be sent from Nanaimo.  Next stop, the RCMP detachment.  I am applying to be a guard at the jail.  A lot of teachers do it.  I have nothing better to do this holiday and I also hope it will help me get a health card.  It appears that Nunavut Health does not like giving benefits to teachers on term contracts.  If I am a guard then I have a job with no end date.  Worth giving it a shot.  Tweek the system, baby.  The form was really long and they told me to take it home.  I met Mat, the new cop, and chatted about being Air Force kids.  Dave said he will be coming to Amanda’s Christmas party on the 24^th so I will see him there.  I then intended to pick up my mail at the Northern, but the weather was nasty and my feet were icy blocks so I just went home……to a cold apartment and another phone call to the office.



Cindy (who is glad she won that heating pad at the square dance)

                          

Spikes

I love my new spikes.  Not heels - that would be weird up here.  I mean the traction devices you attach to your boots.  I ordered a pair from Mountain Equipment Co-op -- along with a balaklava and some energy bars.  Not thrilled with the face mask but in love with the spikes.  I feel so much more confident walking to the store.  However, once in the store you feel a bit of a tool.  The things clink on the tile floors and everyone knows a kabloona (white person) is coming.  Better than slipping on the steep inclines that lead to both of the grocery stores.  I'd recommend them to all you Southerners who live in places with icy sidewalks and parking lots.  Just watch yourself on metal gratings (up here that means in front of doors and on stairs); you can catch a spike and trip.  The irony is not lost on me!

XO
Cindy (who has not been able to walk with her spikes being housebound with blizzards)

Warm Fuzzy

I have spent the last two weekends watching basketball at the high school.  Most of the time I have sat with two of my Grade 11 girls.  We have had a lot of fun.  Today, at lunch, they started talking about what I would do at their graduation.  On the way home, reflecting, I got misty-eyed.  I think this is the beginning of feeling rooted.