Lucky Numbers

-14 with a few clouds in Tsiigehtchic today.
Sunrise at 9:56 and Sunset at 18:20.
52 more minutes than my last blog!  After a few days of -40 weather it is summer weather here again at last!

I never thought I would be walking around in the Arctic commenting on how warm the weather is lately.  It is a sunny winter's day in a snow covered wilderness!

Well I have been debating on having a running calculation regarding my BINGO donations to local fundraising activities for the elder programs and planning the Spring Jamboree.  I am 4 and 0.  I have lost 70.00.  I do not know how big that number will get.  I didn't pay in to the extra side bets the last three times as I have had such bad luck and decided not to even bother.  Well last night I got the required big box on the side bet I didn't play into and lost it all (I was also one number away from a full card and someone else called BINGO)!  I would have had to split on the big box but now I will have a big decision for next time.  Side bets or not?  I usually put in 20.00 for three games and there are two 5.00 side bets for two more games on the last card.   I also can`t monitor more than two games unlike some people with ten or more.  Giggles all around at me and my one little card.  I am in the Arctic and here I am with such a perplexing and mundane problem. 

I was in Inuvik for training last week and am now back in Tsiigehtchic.  My happiest moment of the week was buying a new shower curtain.  I packed very well knowing my boxes may not arrive for a month (it has been three weeks now so here's hoping for next week)!  I brought bedding and one set of dishes with a four piece set of 9.99 utensils from IKEA.  The things I missed right away were a dishcloth, tea towel, plastic spatula and shower curtain.  I packed those things in the boxes that are on their way,.  Oh well you can't be perfect at everything. 

You should always remember the golden rule to bring a shower curtain to ANY new apartment, house or living space you will be occupying.  I knew that and well I was not so happy that I didn't abide by that wisdom.  I am happy I went to Inuvik just to remedy that situation.  There was some kind of important training to go to during the week but that was rudimentary compared to the joys of a nice, clean and fresh shower curtain.

The purchase of a BINGO dabber was also a financial transaction of epic porportions.  GOT TO HAVE IT!

Getting together with colleagues from Inuvik and the various outlying communities of Tuktoyaktuk, Ulukhaktok, Paulatuk, Fort Mcpherson and Aklavik illuminated the vast distance of the land and the isolation between us.  The Mackenzie sisters were reunited for 5 glorious trips to dinner at the town`s favourite haunt.   The last one was a blast!  I am sure we almost got kicked out with all our laughter and loud silly banter.  Stress relief!

The stress of the move and nature of the isolated location where I am working weighed on me for a moment in time.  The type of position I have taken in Health and Social Services also contributed to a significant number of tears and the need to de-stress this week.  It passed and I will be back to work on Monday.  You can probably reach me by mail with just my name and postal code X0E 0B0 but for those who want to send any uplifting letters to the North, you can reach me at General Delivery Tsiigehtchic, NT X0E 0B0. 

Drin Gwiinzii