I realize that CapnPlanet and SmokingToaster are never, ever going to move back to Canada after they read this post, but HOLY SHIT, it is -26 degrees Celcius out there! My nose hairs froze the very second I stepped outside to take the kids to school. Our garage door made incredibly loud popping noises as each segment “cracked” when I was opening it. IT IS COLD.
Back in December, while playing outside with the kids one day, I realized that my five-year-old pair of boots had sprung a leak. I started to look for some new boots but selection had already thinned out. I wanted something that was definitely warm and waterproof, and not made of suede or any other impractical fabrics.
I was also hoping for something relatively fashionable but after looking for weeks, and then running into this cold snap, I said SCREW IT, I am getting myself some Frankenboots!
And so I did.
They are Sorel Snow Cat boots and they are butt ugly. But hell if they aren’t warm and waterproof. Here’s one.
Yummy.
In other news, those who know us personally know that Sir Monkeypants works at Nortel, and that yesterday, Nortel declared bankruptcy. They used to be one of the biggest companies in Canada, the closest we had to a blue chip stock. It’s scary times, that’s for sure.
We’ve been fielding lots of phone calls from concerned friends and family, so let me just assure you that we are okay for now, and that we don’t have any clear picture right now as to what is going to happen. There will be layoffs, and those who are laid off will not be receiving any kind of severance package (that’s the bad news), but for the immediate future, Sir Monkeypants is keeping his job and will apparently continue to be paid (that’s the good news). So we’ll just wait and see and hope for the best, and in the meantime, cut back on a few non-essentials and think about some long term changes.
I have my boots to see me through…don’t worry!
TurtleHead 
Good luck, Lynn. Hope is all works out for you guys regarding Nortel. The news sounds grim in the paper today but also with a glimmer of hope.
As for the boots, I have a winter mantra I live by that was often spouted when I lived in Edmonton: Sanity, Not Vanity!
Great news about SirMonkeyPants – Mr Carl Sagan and I have been concerned for you as well so I am happy to hear this. We were saying last night that the loss of Nortel is truly the end of an era. Freaky.
As for the boots, I have a similar pair and as unfashionable as they are, they are warm and perfect for outdoor winter activities – of course, nothing short of a space heater strapped to my feet would help on a day like today.
You do realize, don’t you, that Ottawa is the coldest capital city in the world?
I remember some very cold days when we lived there, and I don’t miss them. Still, I’m not sure whether it’s the winter cold or the summer humidity that I miss less…
We heard the Nortel news too — glad to hear that you’re doing fine for the short term at least. Anyway, I’m sure SirMonkeypants will have no difficulty finding work elsewhere. Like I’ve said before, I’d be happy to recommend him at Big G!
Glad to know SirMonkeyPants is safe in his job for now. Still, you must be a little anxious about it all. I used to have quite a few friends who worked at Nortel in Toronto, but almost all of them have been let go over the last few years. I can only think of one guy who’s still there. So sad.
On a day like today those boots of yours are looking absolutely gorgeous to me. I’m all about warm toes!
Where did you get the boots? I’m thinking it might be time for a new pair myself.
Nortel didn’t declare bankruptcy – it applied for bankruptcy protection. They are different (but both scary) things. Air Canada enterred bankruptcy protection in 2003 and emerged again 18 months later. They still exist as a company. Too many stories in the media are saying “bankruptcy” and then continuing on with what that means rather that what “bankruptcy protection” means.
The intention of bankruptcy protection is to prevent the company from going bankrupt. The court decides what Nortel will spend its money on – but will usually agree to pay salaries and such. Severance packages are not high on the list and a laid off employee becomes a creditor. Nortel will have to provide a plan to continue on to the courts. We’ll see how that goes.
Some Nortel employees started a campaign called “I Believe” with a nortel logo as the dot over the i. They held a “pep rally” today at lunch…Apparently they’re going to post the video on YouTube but it’s not there now.
I have a friend whos hubby still works at Nortel too. I have been thinking about them, hoping it all works out (like you, she stays at home full time so it would be hard if he lost his job). Let me know if he finds out he might lose his job. I can pass you the info for my company. We are old (and expanding) and always looking for people.
I need a new pair of boots. Over 10 years ago I bought myself a pair of Kamik boots and they just don’t cut it anymore. I kinda like the idea of winter boots looking like winter boots. Big freaky moon boots, you know. Reminds me of when we were kids!
Man, you people are sweet!!
Karen — “Sanity, not vanity” is my new mantra. I LOVE it.
MrsCarlSagan — I am beginning work right this second on the idea of wearable space heaters. Don’t worry, I’ll cut you in…say, for 40%?
FameThrowa — if you want new boots, you need to act fast! These were from the Sears website but they were the last of this style they had (lucky for me, in my size). They have a few other pairs in limited sizes (warning: the Sorel brand fits big, I ordered a half size smaller and they are great). In the store at Sears on the weekend, they were totally cleaned out — they had nothing.
Miker — This thing with the “bankruptcy protection” is very true; listening to the news can be very alarming and misleading. We’re hoping for the best right now. Man, I hope that the YouTube video goes up soon — I giggle at the thought of it. I hope that isn’t sacreligious or anything.
Chantal — thanks so much for the offer! I’ll come knocking if anything happens. As for the boots, my new ones are DEFINITELY moon boots. I feel weirdly awkward wearing them, like I am stomping Tokyo. It’s good though!
We are in a similar situation over here…but it’s been like this for months and months. I was all set to say something (less intelligent) similar to what Mike said…you never know what will happen. It sure feels crappy though, I have good and bad days and many days I have to turn off the radio so I don’t have to listen to the constant crappy news.
Good luck with the job situation – I hope it all work out for you guys.
I love your boots. I bought myself some practical boots last year after falling a couple of times wearing my “dressy” boots, and I wear them all the time now.
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