As you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance I’m floating in the air.
That’s what riding in a plane really is when you think about it: Floating in a giant can for hours as you drift through the clouds. It’s absolutely incredible how we’ve conquered the sky, something considered impossible just 150 years ago. It’s a marvel. But now it’s commonplace.
Anyway, I’ll be flying to Halifax on Dec. 22. I’m spending the holidays at home so you won’t see hide nor hair of me until the far-off year of 2018.
I won’t be able to experience an authentic Prairies Christmas or New Year’s celebration. They’ll have to stay on my bucket list for at least one more year.
It’s going to be a long flight. I’m traveling from Regina to Calgary and pausing for a quick breather before hurtling towards Halifax. I’ll be spending a total of six hours in the air.
Now, the key to surviving a long flight is preparation. I learned this fact the hard way when I first moved to Yorkton. For this trip, I’ll be packing books, magazines, crosswords, gum, notepads, and my IPod into my carry-on. Variety is the cure for in-flight boredom. Hopefully I’ll be able to force myself to sleep at some point.
Once I’m back home, I’ve got a jam-packed schedule. I have (roughly) 10 days to see family members, hang out with friends, and watch a metric ton of Christmas specials.
It’s a hectic plan, but that’s the norm when you live far away from home. Christmas becomes a mad-dash to reconnect with everyone you know.
You’ve got to work hard to keep personal relationships alive as your career/life push you and your friends around the world. That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned in Yorkton this year.
I couldn’t just drop in on friends whenever I wanted, not anymore. I could only see them through Skype. We could only talk over the phone. And the time difference between Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia makes it tricky to find the right time to talk. Usually, someone’s asleep while the other one’s awake.
Friendship is hard work. But it’s worth it, obviously. You’ve got to make the time for the people you care about.
Even if that means sitting in a stiff plane chair for six hours while slowly drifting into boredom-induced.
Well, that wraps up my final official column for 2017 (you’ll see a special one from me next week). I’d like to thank my company, the friends I’ve made, and the city of Yorkton for welcoming me into their lives.
