Fall - I didn't know it'd be so hard

[GiancarloZ]

Hi, everyone!

I didn't know Fall would be so hard. The sun rises at 8 and goes down at 4 something. It's damn cold (we had -16 this morning), it's been dark and grey and the trees look awful and the city seems like a ghost town. Apparently, everybody drives their cars and no walks.

This plus me working from home, lack of social activities and some cultural shock have been very hard for me. This month I got sick as many times I'd get for the whole year in Brazil (pharyngitis + folliculitis + psoriasis + cold urticaria).

I have started to take vitamins and I'm trying to eat healthier. This morning I woke up very early (5:45 AM), had a quick conference call with Brazil and went for a walk. Fortunately, we had a beautiful sunshine and blue skies. Most days have been ugly, though. I felt good for the first part of the day, but my humor is sinking again now. In the worst days, I even considered going back to Brazil.

I guess working in a place where you can interact with people may help, but I won't have my work permit before late December or January, so I must stick with my current job in Brazil.

What do you do to make yourselves feel better during this time of the year?

 

[Luce NDs]

Lack of sunshine bothers even some people used to the dark!

Try and run on the inner light is all I can say ... it is a Job!

 

[ChemGal]

Mall walking becomes more common in the winter.

In Canada, the general recommendations are for everyone to take vitamin D. If you have control of the furnace, make sure you switch the humidifier to the winter setting. In a place like Winnipeg, that furnace humidifier is not enough for most people, it's not unusual to set up one specifically for the bedroom.
In terms of working at home, if you're not getting out, get some of that limited natural light from a window when you can. Also look into some social activities. In the winter there's less outdoors, but there's a fair bit indoors (and you can still find some walking/running groups too if that's your thing). I've gotten to know a few people from meetup.com and we also have a very active community facebook page. There's also winter activities like skiing, tobagganing and snowshoeing.

 

[Luce NDs]

Lack of sunshine bothers even some people used to the dark!

Try and run on the inner light is all I can say ... it is a Job!

Always carry a small ember meant to light a small candle or even an old flame!

 

[Kimmio Laughterlove]

Also, with the Christmas Season, there are more and more lights going up - and in most cities, more public activities. Check out the local community centres, maybe sign up for a cooking class (or exercise or art or whatever might interest you). Does your church have home groups and/ or social activities? I've made some good friends that way. There are lots of cheap or free things to do in the evenings. Also, there are Christmas markets/ artisan fairs that are neat this time of year. I helped my friend out at one last year. He's a chocolatier. Also, the city's volunteer centre, whatever it is called there, I'm sure needs spare hands for various volunteer jobs. The food banks are probably busy. Last year I volunteered to make Christmas hampers/ gift baskets at a different church from the one I attend, because they were looking for extra "elves" (some were even in costume) - it was a Santa Claus workshop in an old sanctuary - they had assembly lines going, a pianist playing Christmas carols, and hot chocolate. And when they were all done, the Salvation Army truck came and picked up hundreds of hampers to give to families who are poor - nice ones, with food, gifts, toys, decorated nicely.

 

[chansen]

Giancarlo,

The jokes about the Winnipeg climate were kinda serious. We knew this would be a big step for you. I'm sorry that you're having struggles.

What I can say is that you have to develop not just an acceptance of late fall and winter, but embrace it.

Here's an idea: Is there a curling club near you? Give that a try. It's a quintessential Canadian cold weather activity that gives you something to look forward to every fall. Get in a league and make it a weekly thing. And you should know that curlers drink after the game. It's a great social activity. Also good for developing alcoholism, but it's a small price to pay.

 

[Kimmio Laughterlove]

You're in Winnipeg @GiancarloZ ?

Home - Winnipeg for Free

 

[Kimmio Laughterlove]

I've heard that Winnipeg has a great arts scene - live theatre and live music in particular. Maybe it's the winters that inspire people to be creative indoors.

 

[Luce NDs]

Giancarlo,

The jokes about the Winnipeg climate were kinda serious. We knew this would be a big step for you. I'm sorry that you're having struggles.

What I can say is that you have to develop not just an acceptance of late fall and winter, but embrace it.

Here's an idea: Is there a curling club near you? Give that a try. It's a quintessential Canadian cold weather activity that gives you something to look forward to every fall. Get in a league and make it a weekly thing. And you should know that curlers drink after the game. It's a great social activity. Also good for developing alcoholism, but it's a small price to pay.

Ah the essence of a croc ... that people are intelligent beings ... only when inhabited by alien intelligence ... isn't that kind've out there?

The confined should really get out more ... expand! Even Mr. Claus swells up with cookies that are gathered from looking everywhere ... even Trump has a worried appearance ... fear of an evening up and market correction as bazaar?

Hated equalization by those ahead ... mean stiffs as rods of measure ...

 

[Kimmio Laughterlove]

They have indoor beach volleyball in Winnipeg, @GiancarloZ

Beach Volleyball Centre - Winnipeg indoor recreation centre

 

[Tabitha]

If you think Fall is hard-Brace yourself for winter!
Embrace it. Try skating at an indoor arena-they have adult beginner lessons. Buy both long underwear and ski pants.
See if there is a place to snowshoe or cross country ski.
Glad you have met up with some Colombian Lutherans. Friends help.
Meet up at Tim Horton's for coffee and donut.

 

[Kimmio Laughterlove]

It looks like there are some pretty fun winter activites there, unique to Winnipeg!

Top 10s | Tourism Winnipeg

 

[GiancarloZ]

Mall walking becomes more common in the winter.

In Canada, the general recommendations are for everyone to take vitamin D. If you have control of the furnace, make sure you switch the humidifier to the winter setting. In a place like Winnipeg, that furnace humidifier is not enough for most people, it's not unusual to set up one specifically for the bedroom.
In terms of working at home, if you're not getting out, get some of that limited natural light from a window when you can. Also look into some social activities. In the winter there's less outdoors, but there's a fair bit indoors (and you can still find some walking/running groups too if that's your thing). I've gotten to know a few people from meetup.com and we also have a very active community facebook page. There's also winter activities like skiing, tobagganing and snowshoeing.

I'm taking the vitamins already, and I think they're starting to work.
I live in an apartment, so I'll consider getting a humidifier.
Thanks for your tips, @ChemGal !

 

[GiancarloZ]

Thanks for your support and for taking the time to research all these things, @Kimmio !

Also, with the Christmas Season, there are more and more lights going up - and in most cities, more public activities. Check out the local community centres, maybe sign up for a cooking class (or exercise or art or whatever might interest you). Does your church have home groups and/ or social activities? I've made some good friends that way. There are lots of cheap or free things to do in the evenings. Also, there are Christmas markets/ artisan fairs that are neat this time of year. I helped my friend out at one last year. He's a chocolatier. Also, the city's volunteer centre, whatever it is called there, I'm sure needs spare hands for various volunteer jobs. The food banks are probably busy. Last year I volunteered to make Christmas hampers/ gift baskets at a different church from the one I attend, because they were looking for extra "elves" (some were even in costume) - it was a Santa Claus workshop in an old sanctuary - they had assembly lines going, a pianist playing Christmas carols, and hot chocolate. And when they were all done, the Salvation Army truck came and picked up hundreds of hampers to give to families who are poor - nice ones, with food, gifts, toys, decorated nicely.

That's a very nice idea. I'll try to find volunteering opportunities!

You're in Winnipeg @GiancarloZ ?

Home - Winnipeg for Free

I've heard that Winnipeg has a great arts scene - live theatre and live music in particular. Maybe it's the winters that inspire people to be creative indoors.

They have indoor beach volleyball in Winnipeg, @GiancarloZ

Beach Volleyball Centre - Winnipeg indoor recreation centre

It looks like there are some pretty fun winter activites there, unique to Winnipeg!

Top 10s | Tourism Winnipeg

Great resources! Thank you very much!

 

[GiancarloZ]

Giancarlo,

The jokes about the Winnipeg climate were kinda serious. We knew this would be a big step for you. I'm sorry that you're having struggles.

What I can say is that you have to develop not just an acceptance of late fall and winter, but embrace it.

Here's an idea: Is there a curling club near you? Give that a try. It's a quintessential Canadian cold weather activity that gives you something to look forward to every fall. Get in a league and make it a weekly thing. And you should know that curlers drink after the game. It's a great social activity. Also good for developing alcoholism, but it's a small price to pay.

Thank you @chansen !
There's a Curling club close to home, but I don't have the slightest idea of how to play it! I'll google it and give it a try if I find it "doable" lol
Regarding the weather, everybody (including sources on the internet) says Winnipeg is supposed to be the 2nd sunniest city in Canada after Calgary - but I don't see it! Maybe it's an atypical year and I was "lucky" enough to move here exactly now...

 

[GiancarloZ]

If you think Fall is hard-Brace yourself for winter!
Embrace it. Try skating at an indoor arena-they have adult beginner lessons. Buy both long underwear and ski pants.
See if there is a place to snowshoe or cross country ski.
Glad you have met up with some Colombian Lutherans. Friends help.
Meet up at Tim Horton's for coffee and donut.

Thanks @Tabitha !
I guess loneliness+bad weather is the Molotov cocktail.
I'll follow yours and everybody else's tip and try go get involved in something regularly.

 

[ChemGal]

Thank you @chansen !
There's a Curling club close to home, but I don't have the slightest idea of how to play it! I'll google it and give it a try if I find it "doable" lol
Regarding the weather, everybody (including sources on the internet) says Winnipeg is supposed to be the 2nd sunniest city in Canada after Calgary - but I don't see it! Maybe it's an atypical year and I was "lucky" enough to move here exactly now...

Quite a few of those hours in the summer though. But if you go out for a long period of time, sunscreen is a good idea for exposed skin on your face. The elevation certainly makes that worse in the Rockies but still the sun & reflection of the snow can result in some good sunburns.

 

[Kimmio Laughterlove]

This looks like it might be fun if you enjoy walks/ light hikes - a mix of people.

Upcoming Events | Happy Feet Hikers (Winnipeg, MB)

 

[GiancarloZ]

Quite a few of those hours in the summer though. But if you go out for a long period of time, sunscreen is a good idea for exposed skin on your face. The elevation certainly makes that worse in the Rockies but still the sun & reflection of the snow can result in some good sunburns.

That's good to know! Thanks!

 

[GiancarloZ]

This looks like it might be fun if you enjoy walks/ light hikes - a mix of people.

Upcoming Events | Happy Feet Hikers (Winnipeg, MB)

I wasn't a fan of walking/hiking in Brazil, but I observed that the days when I walked here were the ones I felt better. So I guess it's worth to try! Thank you very much, Kimmio!