Saturday, March 17, 2007

Thoughts on a month in Cold Lake

I've tried to keep the blog on a relatively even keel. It is pretty hard being away from your family and friends for a whole month, in any place, let alone one so DIFFERENT as Cold Lake.

Part of the problem was, of course, being here during the extreme weather. It was scary and sobering and a bit overwhelming at times. Wind chills of -30C and below can kill you, but mostly you can get killed if you are stupid (see previous posts), and stupid seems to get worse as the weather gets pleasant. Today got to about 38F, about +3C!, and it did actually seem pleasant, but with the melt and refreeze cycle it is actually more dangerous, driving and walking-wise than previously.

What gets me down (and I am pretty down as I type this) is the sameness. Every day is the same, and no matter how many pictures of strange and entertaining (to me) things I post, it is no vacation here. It is work, but I'm not blogging about my actual work.

I am going to put up another post tonight to try and get across the crushing sameness of everyday here for a month.

It ought to be an opportunity, being in another country, living in a very strange (from my perspective) land. But as far as being a tourist goes, I think I haven't done anything.

As far as blogging goes, this has been an enlightening experience. I thought this would just be an easy way to share pictures and experiences with a few family members and friends, but I guess it has become therapy (and yes, I needed therapy after last Sunday) for me.

I truly appreciate the comments. Especially Dave, Flingy-lingy, RKW and TaraEliz, but also from those anonymous people I didn't even send the link to. It keeps the world from closing in.

What will I do when I finally leave Cold Lake, and the time is not now so far off?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm glad that you are taking my "blogging diarrhea" in its true sense...just a bunch of crap.
But I hope that it has given you something to laugh about and ponder on what you will blog about next.
Some of my best work (or worse, depending on how you look at it) has been thought of while flying aimlessly coast to coast.
I know your family is anxiosly awaiting your return, I figure it will be about two weeks after your return before an encore of "Cherrie Pie" can be arranged.
My cousin Michael is already making plans for the 4th of July air guitar fest.
Hang in there, I'm in the middle of a 6 day grind at work, and the crisis at home is Melissa wants to go out on her 1st date !!!!

Tim said...

I sympathize, I almost bought a used PS2, but I couldn't find one cheap enough. I wanted to keep up my skills.

Oh man. First date. I'm glad I don't have that problem, yet.

TaraB said...

I sympathize, really I do. This is the crushing sould-numbingness that is winter in the north. When we moved here EVERYONE told us to get a winter hobby or we would kill ourselves from boredom.

That first winter was really hard since you leave the house when it's dark, are inside a building all day and go home in the dark. It is cold, and sometimes that cold is painful.

I wish you luck in the next few weeks, but spring is approaching (and yes, there are more accidents in the spring).

Do you need me to have John send you his PS2 since he has a PS3 now?

;-)