So there aren't any new pictures to add, but a few interesting stories to relay. Last week, we went to the Brown Store (the small shop open opposite the Northern and run by a man who flies in every couple of weeks or so) for a bite to eat. While waiting for our food, a someone came into the store and approached the counter. The woman asked the man if he had any floss. He wasn't quite sure he heard her right and asked her multiple times in a variety of ways to ensure that is what he heard. After realizing so, he then noted to her that in the six years he has run the store, this is the first time someone has asked him for that particular item.
Another story involved Claire and the Grade 2 teacher, Marla. During a lunch break, Marla broached the subject of children. Claire noted that no we don't have kids yet and she is 23. Marla, seemed shocked and replied that a typical rez kid would have already had 3 children by 18. In fact, Marla, a single mom, is already impatient that her 17 year-old daughter has yet to have children.
Tonight we went to the store and while shopping, Claire was approached by two people who stopped and said hello. We really do feel part of the fabric and comfortable out and about in Deer Lake.
Also to relay, are a couple of observations we've made lately. Firstly, we have noticed that money is the motor behind anything that runs, something that is true anywhere. But in Deer Lake, money is the source of everything. School functions are built around paydays. The whole community, no matter the few occupations people have, get paid the same day. When the school organizes anything, it is always with a calendar in hand, with pay weeks circled. Second, and something that hit me last week, was that many people (and this observation is based mainly on students) do not know how to shop. Down south we have the luxury of having multiple stores and sources to purchase items. Up here, the Northern is the final stop for all purchases. If you want a pair of shoes, you go to the one store and buy the pair. Down south you might shop for a deal or look for sales.
Last bit of news. For those of who don't know, Claire bought me a sweater for Christmas that is gray with yellow and red stripes. I was hesitant at first about the sweater because the red looks very close to pink, which is something that is not me. I am not a manly man by any means, but I am not that comfortable with my feminine side to pull off pink or purple clothes. Anyways, tonight at the Flea Market I was wearing the sweater and a Grade 7 girl came up to me and asked very innocently, "Are you wearing a girl sweater?" I turned right around to Claire and started taking it off right then and there, with a look of 'I told you so!'
I love reading your stories, you two! Thanks for giving us such a great window into part of our Canadian community, the laughter and discovery, as well as the sometimes harsh reality of it. Thank you for being adventureous! Thinking of you two as Andrew finishes up report cards and glad things seem to be going well. Lots of love!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Glad there have been no wolf encounters yet... but does part of you want to be able to say you have had one?
P.S. #2 Girl sweater?!?!? Come on, you just ahve to wear it with the right shirt underneath. You can pull it off Greg!
I liked that sweater. Don't give it up yet.
ReplyDelete@ Mom. I really liked it too. He still wears it, he just thinks that, that girl is proving his point that it is pink. He says it took a long time but he finally found someone to back him.
ReplyDelete@Kelly. Greg wants to see a wolf just to say he has seen one, but I am not overly eager to come across one.