New Place!

We are moving this month! We happened upon our new abode through chance and circumstance. Stephie found it but then the girl she was going to room with backed out on her the day they were supposed to pay the DD and rent. Poor Steph couldn't afford it on her own and they couldn't take the place. So we scooped in and took it. It's a great find- 10 blocks from where we lived before so still a great location, lower rent, more space, quieter, funky and has the cutest landlady. She's this old Polish (I think) lady with a crocheted purple hat and she up keeps everything with the help of her grandsons. There's a huge garden in the backyard and I think we might get to cash in on some fresh veggies! For now you'll have to settle with this pictures of the outside since the inside is way too messy! Once things are unpacked and organized I will post some pictures of the inside. We have the top floor (the house is split in 3). I love the bay window, funky attic bedroom and the separate toilet and bath rooms. I hadn't wanted to move and start a new job at the same time but sometimes you just can't avoid it.

Oh and other big living situation news- Matt's sister Leah is moving back to B.C. at the end of the month so we will be living alone. We have lots of room for guests though so you should all come and visit us!!!

DEBT FREE!!!

I started university when I was 17 years old. Since then (and I just turned 28) I have been in debt. Luckily I was never one of those people who used credit cards or bought new cars or vacations that I couldn't afford so all of my debt was student loans. Today, almost exactly 7 years after I graduated with my BA, I received my tax return and was able to pay off my personal debt for the first time in my adult life. Everything in my bank account is mine now. It's an incredible feeling. I realize the timing of this (April 1) may be suspect, however, this is no joke. I did it! I did it myself too! I am so proud! If I didn't work tonight I would have to go somewhere and celebrate. Oh well, celebrate with me in cyber space!

Is Anyone Out There?

I guess I should start this off saying that I am not dead. This blog isn't dead either, just on hiatus. I am hoping that this hiatus will be ending soon. What happened? Life. I think I underestimated what repatriation was going to be like. Things were going lovely and then life hit. Nothing bad, just busy. There were hockey games to go to (someone has to cheer for the Oilers, right?) and bills to pay, shifts to work, beer to drink. Then there was Christmas and MY BIRTHDAY (Yeah, I turned 28! If you missed it, I am accepting belated birthday gifts up until my next birthday. No worries.). I thought a lot about writing and about what writing means to me. I'll never be Anne Bronte, Anne Frank (fingers crossed!) or even Anne Rice and I don't have any professional literary aspirations, but I do like writing things down. It's nice having something to look back on because I have a terrible memory.

I want to stress, things here are good. Matt is doing really well, possibly better than I am. He was officially accepted into the law school of his choice (and rather early on in the process, I might add) and has already attended the Dean's welcome. I'm pretty sure he and the Dean be tight now. And he really likes his job which he'll work at until school starts in September.

Me? This has been a big year for me. I didn't even know it. I thought, hey, repatriation during a recession- piece of cake?! And it's been actually pretty good. Change is my mantra and I am trying to take deep breaths and scoop up as much of it in my arms as I can. This is a confusing time and I am re-examining everything. Career- check (I somehow got one of those.) Living situation- check. Friendships- check. Dreams- check. Money- check. Everything is going at lightning pace. I can't say a lot because I don't want to jinx anything but I may have some big news soon.

Oh, and I have a book club again! We've met once and are reading our second book! My reading progress has been abysmal but I'm not illiterate yet. I had a lot of high hopes but life is in the way again. I am going to keep trying. We're reading The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao right now by Junot Diaz and I am really liking it. Good thing all the Spanish I know is swear words!

So don't delete me from all of your bookmarks just yet. I know there are lots of blogs out there and I am not trying to become number one on everyone's blogroll, but I think I have a few more things to say. I am just finding the time. Love you all!

Letting Go

With Leah moved in and the living filled with fabulous new furniture it was time to say good bye to an old friend. I know you're all looking at these pictures and saying "What is the big deal? That is the most hideous chair I've ever seen!". There is history though! Goldie was my first piece of furniture. I still remember how I went to the the thrift store in my 3rd year of university with my friend Cameron (who had a big jeep) and picked her up. It was the first time I had my own room and I had space for a reading chair. She's a pretty awful color (I can admit this) but she is funky and comfortable and perfect for reading in. She stayed with me in my first apartments and Matt wanted me to throw her away before we packed up for Korea but I resisted. It's so sad seeing her by the dumpster outside (and someone has knocked her over!) but I know it's time to move on. She represents someone that I used to be. So good bye Goldie, thanks for the memories.