Oct 08 2008
Missing the Rock
That seems to be a common theme among a lot of Newfoundlanders who have ventured abroad in chase of opportunity, prosperity and happiness. However, for far too many, happiness eludes them. For those, their happiness is hinged on their eventual, inevitable return to da rock. For those, the word home is synonymous with the word Newfoundland. They can live anywhere, have prosperous careers, raise families, but home will always be Newfoundland.
The internet is full of Newfoundlanders proclaiming their love for, and desire to return to, their home. One of those, this post’s namesake, chronicles the life and observations of Nadine and her family as they manage their way through life somewhere on da mainland, yearning for the day when they can reasonably provide for themselves back on da rock. She says, “There is something about the Island that seeps into your soul, and never allows you to truly leave.” Nadine is not alone. It may not give her any comfort knowing there’s more of us out there, but there are. I was once content being away, but lately I’ve had a strong desire to be a CBFA. (Come Back From Away) Maybe someday the opportunity will present itself (fingers crossed).
Just this morning, I received an email from a colleague of mine, another Newfoundlander who has built a life and career off the rock and who truly appreciates all things Newfoundland.
So my daughter sends me these….They’re from some companies web-cam I’d guess, and they are real time this morning. Between Quidi Vidi and the Narrows, I don’t know what makes me feel more homesick this morning. You know the beauty of Newfoundland, like most things is wasted on the young. She just wanted to show me, or prove to me that it was a beautiful day in St. John’s. How do I explain that every day in Newfoundland, at home, or ‘on da rock’ is a beautiful day.
I just thought I spread the home sick virus…
If you are a Newfoundlander and you are somewhere other than home, I dare you to look at these pics and honestly say you don’t wish to be back there, if not now, at least someday… and for good.
Welcome to my Web Blah... er, Blog.
October 8th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Brudder, count me in! I have not been away but 6 months, however, I have been away from home much longer than that over the past 13+ years. Taking into account all the weekly travel, it adds up to a significant amount. Regardless of that, I am away for real this time but I never look at it as a permanent thing. It is a step in a direction that life has taken me, and one which will undoubtedly lead me back to the place I love the most… Newfoundland. For all the blasting wind and tormenting rain, for the snow filled patios and ice crusted pathways… for the chilly Summers and unknown days of Spring, I love every sight and sound and will always look to return. So much so, I purchased a nice little piece of land before I left… just so I have something to return to which I can call my own!
October 9th, 2008 at 12:35 am
Thanks Dave, for validating my post. It’s true that most of us simply feel like that’s where we belong.
October 9th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
I am there too. Home is Newfoundland,and hopefully we can have our feet settled back there for good in another year or so. Need to move back, gotta get to where my heart belongs…
October 9th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
I agree, there is no place like home.
October 10th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Yes b’y. There’s no place like home.
October 16th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Thanks for the Plug Steve;
There is something about the Island though, it is a part of you, and it always calls you back.
October 16th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Plug? Yeah, so now all three of my readers (which includes me) will migrate to YOUR site and never come back!
October 27th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I’ve been trying to get back for years. I’ve had about 15 interviews at various places but it seems that companies will only hire me from this far away if I match their criteria EXACTLY. Like, “oh, you know oracle and C but have you ever used it on a red hat linux box? oh, just solaris, ngr and hp? sorry”. Seems like to get a job there I have to actually BE there.
Even though it’s making a move to one of the “Have” provinces, IT companies still don’t pay very well. I checked, it’s 5% cheaper to live in st. john’s than it is to live in halifax, except that st. john’s almost requires me to take a 25-40% pay cut to move there. So there’s a massive expense to live where you want to. Seems like companies almost pry on this “want to move home” mentality.