Tuesday, June 29, 2004
We came to Manitoba for a wedding and it is now officially over. All things went smoothly and most importantly without any disappointments on the bride's behalf. I usually assume that one thing will go wrong and that that specific thing is to be expected. This time, nothing went wrong! Amazing.
Truly, the basis of conversation, outside of the wedding preparation, experience and final debriefing, has been the nastiness of the mosquitoes this year. We resort to massive amounts of DEET, full cover of clothing despite the warm weather, and swatting at every second to protect ourselves from the mosquito swarms. I find that I simply cannot concentrate on one conversation in order to fend off the intrusive bug.
I have this theory that people of Manitoba are simply survivors. They survive the winter of storms, ultimate Canadian cold temperatures, car failure because of the temperature, and bundle up to the point of Inuit status. In spring, they fight off floods, dodge the piles of goo built up on the streets over the winter that melt creating a need for street cleaning (and quick), and the influx of spring growth that blasts the allergy-population like nobody's business. In summer, it is the mosquito battle that compares to nothing else out there, making for, well, I've already mentioned the tactical efforts required there. That leaves Fall, which for the most part is short and sweet. I find that many Manitobans claim that Fall is their favorite time of year, well it's no wonder considering that it is the only time they get a real break from the elements.
In truth, my three-year attempt at becoming a Manitoban was sincere but failed. I am not built for the survival characteristics that are required to become truly MB. I am okay to admit it freely and willing to compliment those MB's that do, every year what I cannot. They are a hardy bunch, and for that I deeply respect them.
Truly, the basis of conversation, outside of the wedding preparation, experience and final debriefing, has been the nastiness of the mosquitoes this year. We resort to massive amounts of DEET, full cover of clothing despite the warm weather, and swatting at every second to protect ourselves from the mosquito swarms. I find that I simply cannot concentrate on one conversation in order to fend off the intrusive bug.
I have this theory that people of Manitoba are simply survivors. They survive the winter of storms, ultimate Canadian cold temperatures, car failure because of the temperature, and bundle up to the point of Inuit status. In spring, they fight off floods, dodge the piles of goo built up on the streets over the winter that melt creating a need for street cleaning (and quick), and the influx of spring growth that blasts the allergy-population like nobody's business. In summer, it is the mosquito battle that compares to nothing else out there, making for, well, I've already mentioned the tactical efforts required there. That leaves Fall, which for the most part is short and sweet. I find that many Manitobans claim that Fall is their favorite time of year, well it's no wonder considering that it is the only time they get a real break from the elements.
In truth, my three-year attempt at becoming a Manitoban was sincere but failed. I am not built for the survival characteristics that are required to become truly MB. I am okay to admit it freely and willing to compliment those MB's that do, every year what I cannot. They are a hardy bunch, and for that I deeply respect them.
