Xmas Xcitement in TBay

I've been trying to get out there and be social.  In Thunder Bay this means going to a lot of Xmas themed events at churches.  So far none of the places of worship have spat me out and I'm keeping my "atheist nonsense" to myself out of politeness. 

This psalm always freaked me out.  Was god supposedly afraid when he made me?  Or was I afraid?  Either way...

Xmas angel, Marlene.

And for the most part, I've had a very nice time.  For some reason, the people I've met through these specific event have been WAY nicer than the church people I met during my first week here.  How many ministers do you know who sport angel wings when saying the blessing?  

So full. So jittery.

I've also been so stuffed full of food you could dress me in red and call me Santa.  I forgot how well one gets to eat at church basement events!  And the silly bridal-shower like fun that is to be had when a group of women gets together to celebrate each other and be served by the men in their lives.  Yes, yes, it all felt incredibly heteronormative!  And that was fine.  Wanna know why?  Because when these ladies, almost all of whom were senior citizens, asked me about my work, I told them that I do a lot of stuff with young people who are dealing with issues around people accepting their sexual orientations and gender identities - and they were interested, respectful, and curious.

Then we decorated gingerbread cookies.  It was awesome.

18 wheels and lit up!

Like Florida!

I've also been privy to a few other TBay xmas traditions.  For example, I was sitting in my apartment, minding my own business, when I heard the world coming to an end outside my window.  It sounded like every transport truck and emergency vehicle in the city was driving by with horns and sirens a-blazing.  When I peaked outside, I noted that this was absolutely true.  Apparently Thunder Bay has a night parade-of-lights every year during which every transport truck and emergency vehicle owner attaches as many xmas lights as possible to their rides as possible and then parades down the main street with horns and sirens a-blazing.  I have no idea what happens if someone needs a delivery of 8 million iceberg lettuces or has a heart attack during this time.  But it matters not, for it was a glorious sight (out of my window from a block away and photographed with a cell phone - don't judge me!)

Making friends.

Xmas throw-up.

Finally, I have decorated my own little tree (artificial, came with the apartment) with dollar store garland and donated ornaments.  The spirit of the season is indeed in my apartment.  And that's good because I'm not sure I'll be going outside again for some time.  As I write this post it is -16 C.

I went to another TBay xmas dealie today - a place called Vanderwee's where xmas has metaphorically thrown up all over the walls.  It was glorious!  They also had nice tea.  So yeah, I'm still lonely but I'm trying to make it work. :)