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Becoming Canadian

I can't believe we've only been here for 2 months. It definitely feels longer. This is usually around the time that I start to get really homesick - you're in a new place, it's not really new anymore and you don't really know anyone. Most of you know I've done this moving thing more than

American Flag on Canada Day 2008The ever-intimidating maple leaf. Image by Antony Pranata via Flickr

a few times. So much, in fact, that I know those feelings will eventually pass - You wake up one day and you are home.

The big difference with this move has been our friends. We had a clique waiting for us. Sure, some of them were merely acquaintances when we arrived but falling in love with us doesn't take long. lol These people have never let us sit home. We've been going, going, going. And that has been a welcome distraction from thinking about the fact that we are so far away from our families.

Canadian culture takes a little getting used to, of course. The subtle differences are enough to make you crazy. I spend a little time everyday feeling slightly brain damaged. ("Did I do too many drugs?! ... No, it's Canada!") It's getting better though.

Perhaps the most unsettling part of all of this is that, despite my initial reluctance, some Canadian things aren't so bad. For instance, it's November, right?... It should be cold. I just completed a whirlwind road trip to Lakeland, Florida with my friend, Blair. It was 90 degrees there and it just felt wrong. I was actually looking forward to getting back to Fall. It's been years since I've experienced a true Autumn - the crisp air and turning leaves. We'll actually get a buffer before winter sets in... unlike Georgia and Texas. Their seasons go something like this: a week of Spring, SUMMER, 2 days of Fall, WINTER.

And who knew Hockey could be so fun?! I still have a hard time watching it on t.v. but after seeing my 3rd live game last night, I've decided it's not a complete waste of time. I cheered, I booed and most importantly, I almost followed the entire game. WOO HOO!!

We did, however, have a moment of American Nostalgia when they played the National Anthem. (Ottawa played Tampa Bay) With our hands over our hearts, Matt and I sang it proudly (and alone). They don't completely have us yet. After it was over, I turned to Matt and said "We live in Canada!" To which he replied "I know! What the hell?" Then we laughed and finished our Canadian beers.
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  1. Chris11/11/2009

    I can so see the two of you, standing in that giant crowd singing the National Anthem and everyone staring at you. Then, the interaction about "We live in Canada..." PRICELESS. I can see the look on your faces in my head and I laughed out loud again.

    Great stuff!!!!!

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