On a positive note

Hiiiiieeeee,

This post is dedicated to the things I like so far about Winnipeg/My new life. I apologize for using the numbered list format again, it just feels so convenient when all I've got is anecdotes, if you know what i mean...

So it turns out that as I continue on here my life is starting to feel somewhat more real (a fact exemplified by the mosquito that just bit my 'third eye', there are more mosquitos here than I usually see on a camping trip in North Ontario io io). And as it becomes more real and less surreal I am able to appreciate aspects of my new locale. Here goes...

1) I have a fan group. Well, actually Toad has a fan group and it's no small group at that. Remember those kids that I referred to in post 1-- the ones that hang out in the alley putting their lives in danger, well those same kids just LOVE Toad! As soon as they spot the little fluff ball coming their way, they start calling to one another in some aramaic dialect that I can't place (Somali? Ethiopian?) and within seconds Toad is surrounded by a group of at least 8 boys and 1 small girl (who makes the cutest joy noises when she pets Toad). Me and these kids have developed a routine that they like and feel comfortable with, it requires that I hold Toad's head (they are scared he might bite, hilarious!) and then ALL at once they pet him maniacally. It is honest to god one of the cutest things I have ever seen. Today they asked to borrow him for the day and while I considered it I realized that whoever and wherever their parents are, they may not approve of their kids babysitting a shit-poo named Toad.

2) Only a mere block from my house there is a Middle Eastern food products store!!!! You cannot imagine the excitement I felt when I noticed this little gem. I had found a place to purchase my beloved Curries, Vine leaves, Hummus, Sardines, Pita Bread, Pickles, Samosas, Lentils, the list goes on.... This little store has made a genuine difference in my experience of Winnipeg, just tonight I made a curry with ingredients from there and it caused my nose to run, a sensation I so cherish.

3) People are nice. Like, really, really nice. Every where you go there are people being nice. And from what I can tell it is real niceness. What it real niceness you might ask? Well for me, it is a niceness that comes from a place of just enjoying being kind and then enjoying reciprocated kindness-- a niceness that exists for the purpose of harmonious communication and connection. The people I have actually met here (through various connections in Toronto) manifest this niceness, as do the people I encounter in the shops and restaurants. For example tonight the security guard in the liquor store went outside to watch Toad, who was not allowed in the store, for me! And a few days ago the ladies at the wonderful 3 story antique shop I went to said that I could hang out with them whenever I felt lonesome! So fucking nice.

4) This will be my last point as I don't want to bore you with too many words...so # 4 in my list is: My House. I really like my house. It's big and spacious and old and charming. Dane my room mate(who is also VERY nice) says that the house was built in the early 1900's. It's a funny house because the previous owners painted it a whole bunch of wacked out colours, almost every room is a different colour, and while I might find this offensive in another dwelling somehow this house can carry it well. There is also a front and back yard which are wild and overgrown, two features I appreciate. And finally it is located on a lovely little cul-de-sac street that is lined with massive trees and inhabited by people that smile and say hi when passing each other. NICE!

I have been away from home for exactely one week now

My mood hit a bit of a low point today. I woke up in the morning and realized two things, one; that I didn't exactely like the colour I painted my bedroom and two; that I had no one to go for Sunday brunch with.

These are the kinds of things that are a BIG deal to me. I treat my room as my personal mental health hospital. Therefor it is immensly important to me that it has aesthetic qualities that possess the power to turn my distress into bliss or my boredom into inspiration, etc. So waking up to a colour that seemed not quite right felt like I was off to a bad start and following up that realization with the thought that I am indeed in a city where, as of yet, I am friendless and the possibility of a gossipy or even hungover brunch is nil to none felt pretty crummy (especially considering I wasn't the least bit hungover, since I didn't go out last night-- for that requires friends too)!

I'm working on fixing the room...I think my efforts have been quasi succesful, I should have it set up by tomorrow and will post a picture then. Sadly the friend issue has been left to the gods. Happily, Toad remains unphased and is his usual perky, adorable self.

I think my room mate is bringing me home a beer now (the Peg has off sales, a system I encountered in Vancouver and should most definitely be introduced to Toronto), so here's to 'taking the edge off'.

xo.

Here begins my blog and my grand effort to elucidate the experiences of a born and bred Toronto girl who has found herself smack dab in the middle of Canada (WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, to be precise) for reasons she has to remind herself of on a minute to minute basis. Reason number 1: I am about to embark on a graduate degree in Family Couselling at U of W, Reason number 2: I don't know this reason or any of the reasons that are to follow but I am operating on the principle of fate and therefore will outline these reasons as they make they begin to make themeselves apparent...and that they will, right?.....

Being new to a place allows a person to make all sorts of rash, likely innacurate but seemingly very valid observations about it. I have been making exactly these kinds of observations at a rapid fire speed, although I have only been here a total 5 days, I have countless assertions and speculations to make about this strange, little/big prairie city...below I will share some of these with you fine friends and family of mine.

1. There is a distinct ghost town feel to this city. A feeling I attribute to the fact that it is very large in geography but very small in population. Also many of it's extremely beautiful and old buildings are empty. There is something sad about this to me...how do other Winnipegers feel about it, I wonder?

2. The bars here are carpeted and have large T.V.'s turned to sports channels.

3. There is a toughness in the air here. Men travell in groups or maybe I should say gangs. They swagger, their big and they look like they are heading somewhere but I have a feeling it might just be the Tim Horten's parking lot near my house.

4. People take great pride in what they call the 'anarchist spirit' of the city. I am not sure if they are referring to a commitment to an anti-authority, non-hierarchical, equality based politic or if they mean that people are free to light fires in thier front yards for burning thier mail and other items (something I have now witnessed twice).

5. Bunny rabbits hop around on the streets. For real.

6. Trucks seemed to be the preferred vehicle. Very buff and attractive men drive in them and carry all sorts of manly things in the back, i.e. Whole Trees.

7. The cute coffee shop type business has not quite caught on here yet. I deeply miss Ella's Uncle or Manic Coffee. I think that this might just be one of the harder adjustments for me.

8. Chrisitian Hippie cults run what coffee shops there are. They serve great food (home made cheese and bread sandwiches) and excellent coffee but they are very intent on having me come to one of thier 'celebrations'. Today I went to Tim Hortons to avoid telling them I'm Jewish.

9. The air is noticebly cleaner. It is also a lot dryer. Not to mention the fact it is already quite cold, tonight I wore long johns.

10. There is very little supervision of children. In fact a group of kids hangs out in the alley by my house all day long and I have yet to identify a single parent. And yesterday I saw a separate group of kids jumping off the roof of a 2 story house. My responsibility complex is in high gear but as of yet I have only lectured once about watching for cars and not swinging sticks at eye level.

And so there you have my first 10 observations! Likely innacurate and likely to be modified as my time here continues. I miss my life in T.O. and my friends and family dearly but here goes trying something NEW. Wish me luck and stay tuned for more Prairie Toad stories.

Peace Out!