"The Blog About Nothing..."

The blog about nothing…

Do you remember Seinfeld? Hopefully, by the end of this entry, it has the same feeling. Here it is: the blog about nothing…or at least…nothing in particular.

I was so excited to come home. I’ve looked forward to it for a long time, but it didn’t hit me until I was on the final stretch home from Frankfurt to Toronto. I think we were just above Canadian soil in the Labrador area, I looked down and started to tear. I still had a long way to go before I would land at Pearson, but I hadn’t been this close to home in months.

There are so many things about Canada, in particular the Toronto area that I know I take for granted having lived here my entire life. That changes when you’ve been away for a while. When I got off the plane, I thought my first sight would be the CN Tower… but unfortunately, the way I came in I was facing Mississauga. So instead of the CN Tower, I was looking at the Monroe Buildings beside Square One. Why emotions are tied to buildings, I don’t know, but I figured that by the time I got back to Hamilton, I was going to be a blubbering mess by simply gazing at familiar architecture.

So where was my first stop? I was really lucky to have Kristian look after the car, so the first thing I did was stop by to pick it up. My first face to see was Tilly. What a sweetheart she was to see. Luckily it wasn’t too cold out, so when I took her out for a walk by the lake, I was cozy enough in my Abu Dhabi sweater. I packed up my car and I was ready to go. Another thing I took for granted was my car. It’s a Nissan Sentra (2012) which I love. It felt like a brand new Cadillac of sorts when I got in as I’ve been used to my “roller skate on wheels” of rental cars. The traffic here? People stop at red lights, mean what they signal, and take stop signs seriously. I used to find this stressful? Ha!

I couldn’t wait to see some familiar faces. The drive back was all the same besides the slush, snow, and cold, cold weather. There was a gathering at a local pub that night. I was going to meet my mom and friends of the family…though my mom didn’t know I’d be there. Oh, that poor soul! I was happy to surprise her, but I could have given the poor thing a shock. When you come home after a long time away, hugs just aren’t hugs anymore. They are an outward expression of love and care wrapped in appreciation and longing for more time with one another. My brother couldn’t be there for the event as he was writing his last final for the semester, but I got to see him later. When he came home, I don’t think he realized I’d be there at that point either. It’s funny how little brothers seem to grow up even faster when you’re not around all of the time.

The second day…now what? It was the last day of school before holidays in Ontario so I must go to Pope John Paul! Again, those hugs just aren’t hugs anymore. The embraces from colleagues and students were like memory transfers of being apart for six months. I wish I could keep this feeling of having everyone within my embrace forever. The kids…were just amazing. The ones that may have given you the most trouble in the past are the ones who still tug on your heart strings the most. There were some colleagues and students I wasn’t able to see. They’re with me. They’ll always be.

Rush, rush…now what? Girlfriends from high school! Time and distance can’t break this crew. We were missing one unfortunately at this gathering, but she was with us in spirit. Boys, jobs, children, relationships, families were all the buzz. There was never a moment of silence with this group. Will there ever be? I hope not. We closed the coffee shop down! I miss you ladies J We didn’t know what we had in high school, did we?

I thought the time change wouldn’t affect me much. But after sleeping in for the second day in a row, I realize now that it’s taking more of a toll than I thought. I JUST made it to the Bridge on time yesterday. “Allahumdulilah!” (James, were you practicing? lol ) “Salaamalecume!” More hugs of sweetness, gratitude, and time shared together. I can’t quite share those conversations that ensued during this visit. But know that they were genuine, hilarious, and full of innuendos I couldn’t repeat in public once I’m back in Abu Dhabi. I wouldn’t have changed my time at the Bridge for the world. I just hope I get more time.

Last night was a typical Pakulak family dinner. It was small, and we get to do it all over again on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, our family has gotten smaller, and we celebrate Christmas and other important events around shift work of family members. Not to make you drool, but a table full of turkey, ham, cabbage rolls and ‘pudeha’ (aka perogies) are on the table, how can you resist? We helped out, but my mother still baffles me on how she’s able to do it all. If any Ukrainians are reading abroad, maybe you can settle the debate on what these wonderful things are called…do you call them perogies, or do you say something else? Over the years, I’ve wondered if this has gotten lost in translation. Jokes, presents, family, and those silly crowns you get with Christmas crackers, the night was complete. It felt a little strange to do ‘selfies’ with my phone camera, but I just have to cherish these moments and take them with me back to the Middle East. My little niece is now a little woman. My sister, brother and I are now all grown up. Time simply goes way too fast.

I slept in again today when I needed to be at Empirical Group. I wanted to be there early before training…but I made a grand entrance instead. One of my friends knew I was coming ahead of time. Sweet bubbly Michelle demanded, “Where’s Cara?” When I did finally come (Tim Horton’s doughnuts in hand of course!), one of the partners lead me in. The line between friends and family blur when hugs come flying across the room (thank you, Michelle and Sean-I’m so proud and blessed to know you both and have you as friends!) You might think that there’s a huge difference in being in the world of finance and teaching (in Abu Dhabi no less), but I have Empirical to thank for pushing me out of my comfort zone. Today’s training was about setting goals and making changes. This applies to everyone’s life. There are many people I know of in my life, both here and in Abu Dhabi that aren’t happy one way or another. Take time, reflect, and WRITE DOWN what you want in life. You deserve it. You can also make it happen. Whatever I can do, just let me know. I might be in the same building, across town, or across the world. Just let me know. I have countless people to thank for how I feel about life right now, I’m only happy to give back.

For my Canadian friends and family, I have just a week left, and so much to do! Those of you reading this and are in the Hamilton area are more than welcome to come down to the Brassie Pub in Ancaster Monday evening (thanks, Sean!)…leave me a Facebook message and I’ll add you to the group so the pub has a better idea of who is coming.

For my Abu Dhabi family, I can’t wait to get back and make more memories. I was looking forward to explaining more to friends here about what it’s all about. I get to explain some things, but the pictures on Facebook have told friends and family here how lucky I am to have you. I am blessed all around.

So when I started this blog today, I didn’t have much of anything to say. But I knew I had to get to it…it’s been a while! The blogs about nothing become blogs of everything (Seinfeld).