I’m always amazed by what a small world it truly is. This week I received a dozen or so applications in my inbox. As I was shuffling through them, one jumped out in particular, as the cover letter was intriguing. I opened the attachment, and to my surprise the candidate was not only a fellow Canadian, but –a fellow Winnipegger! To make the situation even more coincidental, it turns out we also attended the same high-school (although a few years apart).
It isn’t actually the first time I’ve met someone from Winnipeg while living in Europe. Actually, to be honest, this time I wasn’t even so surprised (listen to me, all blaze ;). When I called the candidate to schedule an interview, I thought I’d let him in on our coincidence. Clearly this was his first encounter of the sorts, as he was downright amazed. The words “meant-to-be” and “fate” drifted their way into the conversation, and I almost regretted having mentioned it.
There are actually two other ‘peggers that I deal with regularly through my work. Both are based in Paris, and one also attended my former highschool (although 10 years before my time). Whenever our paths cross we end up discussing home; the last time we were there, what we miss, etc. And somehow, each and ever time without fail, our conversation leads to the almighty subject of: the weather.
I’m now fully aware of the eternal obsession Winnipeggers have with the weather (myself proudly included). We watch the weather channel as though its dishing out breaking news, we discuss the wind-chill factor at great lengths during the winter months, and I’ll admit, I often catch myself bragging about our -40C temperatures. This obsession is instilled in us as children, as I can’t remember a day that went by without some consultation on the weather, both at home and at school. It’s common schoolyard knowledge that when temperatures reach below -20C, recess is cancelled (something my 8 year-old-self spent many a day praying for, as indoor recess was the ultimate in fun). In fact, my earliest childhood memories involve watching the weather channel (channel 9, at that point) while being bundled up in my snowsuit and sent off to school.
And so, in this morning’s interview with the candidate from Winnipeg, it was really no wonder that we ended our chat with a brief rant about Amsterdam’s current weather, made all the worse, by the knowledge of sunny skies back home.
Well, babe of mine, really enjoyed your weather blog. I admit the obsession is alive and well here at the old homestead, but its now cable 48 that we consult before deciding what to wear to suit the clime. And not to brag, but you know us Peggers do....today is sunny and 21, and both Saturday and Sunday will again be sunny and high 20!! Actually, well over normal temps. for April, but as always we deserve it for living in the Peg!!
