It’s the little things…

Every once in awhile I’ll learn some new little quirk about life in the Yukon that kind of throws me for a loop when I hear it.  Like the latest, which one of my coworkers told me about during a recent shift.  Apparently, during the dead of winter, rather than risking sluggish fluids and a dead battery, the people here will leave their cars running while they are out and about.  It’s common to see cars idling while their owners are inside a store shopping.  And while working, some start their cars every few hours and leave them running out in the lot.  Not all the parking lots have plugs after all!

I love learning about this kind of stuff…

Finally!

It’s been a while, but in my defense, moving is very time consuming!  I am finally settled into my new apartment and everything is hung up and put away.  I’ve got to say, I absolutely love it.  It’s a 50 year old building, and my kitchen and bathroom have a very retro feel.  And it’s in really great shape!

Of course, I didn’t go through the move alone; my mother flew up and helped set everything up.  I never could have done it without her – if she hadn’t come, I would probably still be sitting here surrounded up boxes and feeling totally lost.  Thanks mom!

I am just so glad to be out of the hotel.  It was really nice, but I was there for 22 days and it never felt like home.  It’s hard to get comfortable when complete strangers enter your personal space on a daily basis.  Now, surrounded by my old things, in my own space, I can finally relax.  And… bake!

Liking it so far…

I’ve officially been in Whitehorse for two weeks and so far I’m liking it a lot.  My car still hasn’t arrived, so I’ve been exploring most of the city by foot.  That’s not so bad actually – all the walking has really helped me become familiar with a significant chunk of the city.  I’m still staying at a hotel – my apartment wont be available until October.  Don’t get me wrong, having someone else clean up after me is nice, but I am really missing having my privacy, my stuff and my own space to live in.  My mom is flying up in a few days – she’s going to help me move into my new place.  I can’t wait to see her!

The job (my whole reason for being here) has been great.  I’ve done a few days of general orientation and one official day of actual work.  Everyone has been extremely helpful and friendly – they’ve really made me feel right at home.  I’m looking forward to my next shift!

I have been knitting a lot lately.  It’s been chilly since I got here – perfect knitting weather.  I finished one set of wrist warmers for my Dad.  One more pair to go.  By now, I could probably do that pattern in my sleep!  I used Fibranatura Yummy sock yarn, that I picked up at the LYS back home.  It’s a nice superwash merino, and the colours knit up into a pretty nifty pattern.  I’ll probably cast on the next set (for my Godfather) today.

I’ve also been working on a new pair of socks.  I actually cast on during the cruise, but I didn’t get very far.  I’m using Fresh From the Cauldron Silk Sock, in the colourway Jacob Black.  As in Twilight.  The yarn is gorgeous and sooo soft.  No pattern, just basic sock math again.  I’m really starting to prefer making socks this way – they fit perfectly!

And the project I finished last night – a scarf.  Like I said, it’s getting cold up here and I’ll definitely need some winter gear soon.  I haven’t knit a scarf in a while, not surprising since I usually have no patience for a project like this.  But this time, the yarn made all the difference.  I used 3 skeins of Misti Alpaca Hand Paint Chunky and it is incredibly soft.  It has a bit of a halo and sheds, but I don’t care – the colours and the feel make it all worth it.  I finished it in 5 days – by far my fastest project!

So what’s up next?  I’m still working on the paperwork that goes with a cross country move, which pretty much fills my days.  With any luck, the next time I post I’ll finally be fully moved in and settled!

Alaska video!

Finally took the videos from my cruise off of my camera. Enjoy! As always, the password: my favorite hobby.

more about "Alaska video!", posted with vodpod

Things are moving along…

Today the moving company came and packed up my stuff.  It was an unusual experience, having a complete stranger pack my things.  All the boxes are still here, but they’ll be leaving in a couple days.  My car is already on its way.

The packing and my car leaving really makes this all feel real.  Up until today, this whole Yukon move has had an element of fantasy, or unreality to it.  But now it’s happening – things are definitely in motion.  Watching my car leave left me feeling a bit sad – I’m going to have to say goodbye to everyone soon.  But I’m also excited – I have a possible apartment lined up.  The building looks and sounds great!

In other news, I put my Alaska pictures up on Flickr.  Right now I have them open to the public.  Feel free to check them out, but do it soon – I’ll probably make them friends only in a week or so.