Does this make me look American?

My thoughts can't seem to settle themselves, so i've decided to share them here, in the hopes they will become clearer if I have to communicate them.

I'm going back to the states next week. It will be the first time back to familiar places and people* since my latest move. I always dread the first time back to familiar places after I make major moves. Every time I visit there are changes, of course, but after moves the changes in myself are always much more significant and usually quite jarring in ways I don't expect. This transition to Canada/Grad School/Smaller City/Town has changed me in visible ways I can see even in the new environment with little to reference. The fact that I travel back with a busted ankle is just icing on the cake.

So I'm starting to feel quite apprehensive about going back to the states for the break. None the less, I need a break from this place. My busted ankle is infuriating and frustrating constantly - though at least it doesn't wake me up in pain in the middle of the night anymore. The weather has been rainy, chilly and just downright dreary. My work has been slow and unsatisfying. Finally, it has become clear how little my friends know me here even after a few months (I know, I know, good friends take time, but it would be nice to have someone around that can read my emotions and act accordingly). It is odd, I expected to be so wrapped up in it like at Wellesley and I was for a while - but instead I feel like I did the last winter break there  . . . .like I am just bracing myself and holding my breath until I escape. Too bad I won't be leaving the way I did that semester - picked up by brothers for a fun road trip westward . :) So yes, definitely need a break from everything here (I hesitate to say Canada, because Canada is more then this, but it is simpler in my head), and maybe some snow.

More to come I think, once my brain has a chance to tumble over the rest of it some more.

*excluding MI since I had never been there before and coworkers that came to see me in October but I will not see them this trip :(

Today was our local Santa Claus parade - I went to enjoy it along with all the small children in the area. Before the pictures - though you may think it is the same as an American Thanksgiving parade because it is filled with floats, bands, local groups, and politicians with Santa at the end - you would be WRONG! They are different because the WHOLE THING is christmas themed. In short, it was fantastic.

( Christmas time is here! )

Today is Thanksgiving here, and in true Canadian fashion (so i'm told) I did not celebrate on the day itself, instead celebrated yesterday with all my friends here who didn't go home for the weekend. We had dinner and went for a hike (not in that order) but the weather was too beautiful (shorts weather!) so everyone else had the same idea and it wasn't as fun. Also, there don't seem to be any real hills here.

I have very many things to be thankful for this year, and I have been reflecting on them over the last two days (not in true Canadian fashion apparently - they just eat?). Because it is a holiday for family, I got asked more then usual if I miss home/the states (three times actually). Kind of silly really, because of course I do, but it is weird to miss them for a holiday that isn't celebrated until November - I sort of feel like I shouldn't miss not going to Chicago for Thanksgiving until Thanksgiving has actually passed down there.

Anyway, postings have been light because I have been super busy (and super tired) which will unfortunately continue this week. I will be taking a group of third year students on a field study trip to the southernmost point in Ontario/Canada. I get to drive a minivan, and have free time to explore in the day - we (the other grad students not the undergrads) also may take a side trip to Detroit for some hockey (it's like I'm pulled to the states like a magnet - I don't even know) but the moral is that I may not have time to post until we get back - Friday evening.

My first week is pretty much done, and it wasn't nearly as intense as I was expecting. Which I guess is good as I am now struggling through a cold, but has also left me waiting for the next shoe to drop.

My classes have a strong emphasis on group work and interdisciplinary-ism which has made me glad that I chose this program. Though most others seem to be grumbling I have found that working effectively with others and working laterally to be some of the most challenging and rewarding things in my past experiences. To be honest, I probably will benefit more then most from the group work because I am miserably far behind on both Geography knowledge and Canadian knowledge.

I also have to remember to call a napkin a serviette.

To that effect, as much as I want to enjoy the nice weather (today it was in the 40's and deliciously crisp and sunny!), I need to buckle down on my background education plan. October is shaping up to be insane, and I will be out of town for ~2 days three weeks in a row. (Toronto, Leamington, and Orilla - don't worry I hadn't heard of the latter two before this week as well) The Leamington trip will only happen if my US ID is accepted by the school to rent a car, seems likely but i'm not sure how it will play out yet.

It also looks like, besides my TA responsibilities, I will be done with classes and assignments for this term by December 1st - so that is pretty awesome and may give me time to travel a bit before the holidays. Of course, the week everything is due is the week of American Thanksgiving so I need to make plans to have a great Canadian Thanksgiving to make up for it.