So today would have been my best friends 36th birthday and I wonder where he would have been in his career and life if he had lived past 26. But this morning I was remembering the first time I left home, I mean really left home. 18 seems like 100 years ago.....
So I was 18 and looking to change jobs, when my longest ( best girl) friend in the world Crystal got me a job at the hotel Prince of Wales in Waterton - I was so looking forward to the move and getting to spend a lot of time with Crystal - that didn't happen - stupid job put us in different rooms and on opposite shifts - to say I was homesick would be an understatement.
Now at the same time my best guy friend that I ever had was working his way through Architecture school at a call centre for Safeways floral department. So I could at least call him for free to a 1-800 number and boy did I ever. He was awesome - tried really hard to cheer me up - promised to come visit on his days off (which he did) but the best thing to cheer me up was so unintentional but so perfectly Chris.
Chris decided that maybe if he ordered me flowers and had them delivered that it would cheer me up (and yes I am positive only a gay guy friend would have thought of this). So he did just that. What I received was a dozen yellow and white roses - now you should know that I hate yellow roses and Chris knew this - but it was the card that through me for a loop and the reason I called him so quickly to ask him WTF?? So the card read "My deepest sympathies, time heals all wounds" - are you guessing what happened yet?
So yeah the delivery guy screwed up the deliveries - my one dozen red and white roses went to a funeral with a card that read "Hey, you are finally free - why not party it up instead of being so glum?" I laughed so hard when he told me I cried - I can just imagine the apology to the poor widow that Safeways had to issue and really what a bad reaction to the card would have been. But it worked - it helped me not be so homesick.
And its funny cuz I can almost hear him say "its about time you did what you said you were gonna do" and then he would tell me suck it up buttercup its just a move to the province next to Alberta - its not the moon!
I miss him today just as much as I missed him the day I received the call that he had passed away. And its funny - I really do wonder where he would be? Would he still be teaching at SAIT, would he have finally opened his own firm instead of also working at CARMA and doing his own designs on the side? Would he have finally married and settled down? Or would he still define going to the gym by drinking cosmos at the bar beside a gym as actually going to the gym? And look like he always stepped off the GQ magazine?
What I do know is that he would be happy for me for where I am today, who I am with and who I have become. Because he was my friend, through it all he was always there for me. And I smile when I remember my last birthday I got to share with him when he came up to Edmonton, rented me a limo and we went club hopping, I don't remember the clubs, dinner or the ride, but I remember the 1 dozen yellow and white roses he brought me.
So today isn't about the move. Today is remembering a fantastic friend. A friend that although gone still inspires me. Happy Birthday Chris.
Monday 27 May 2013
Sunday 26 May 2013
Just over a month to go....
So that clock keeps on ticking, but all is good.
Kids are registered for their new schools and are very excited. I've been google searching the area with the kids and looking at places we will get to explore together and making a list :) can't wait!!
As for the packing.....I am about 80% done - all that is left is Jackson's room, bathrooms and the everyday stuff we need - I don't think I have been this prepared for moving. Course I have always been employed full-time and the kids activities to get in the way of packing and organizing.
I have donated a lot of toys, old sports equipment, patio set, bar-b-que, dressers, table, lamps etc. All to those in need. Course this means I will be replacing these items when we get moved, but its time I updated the kids furniture.
I was just talking to Corey the other night about how productive I am being and he jokingly called me a hoarder cuz ALL of the stuff I am packing and moving is mine - he packs light lol and thats ok by me. At least I get the last say in what gets purchased then lol - ladies I tell you it sure reduces fights!!!
I cannot believe that I have been in this relationship for 21 months and not a single fight - it amazes me that we communicate so well and that there are no barriers around us. Its like we have known each other our whole lives. And without him supporting me emotionally in this new adventure there is no way I would have had the courage to do so. I am so thankful that not only does he support me but as does my family and friends. It means a lot and makes this move that much easier.
I have faced adversity in life - who hasn't right? I married my friend, at far too young an age and can be lucky enough to say that I divorced my friend 13 years later and we remained friends - not an easy task. I have two beautiful children that are not perfect but are perfect for me and those that love them. I have a wonderful significant other in my life that I cherish. I have fantastic friends and family that know how to make me smile and laugh at my jokes - although I have been told that if law school doesn't work out that there is no doubt I could do stand up lol sure right after you put me in a room to myself - no way - hate public speaking.
Some days are harder than others - today is a good day - today I am looking forward to living where you don't hear sirens a dozen times a day or the non stop traffic that you do in a large city. I am looking forward to the beautiful weather and surroundings that we get to explore. I am not looking forward to living in a town with no Tim Hortons lol and that will never change ;)
I am so looking forward to Black Friday this year and the 2 hour ferry ride that will leave my bank account in tears and my credit card melted I am sure lol I do love to shop, not for me, but for others - always have and always will.
So back to the packing and the moving. I cannot believe that I have been officially unemployed for the past 6 and a half months - where has that time gone? It was great being off over Christmas but January to April just about killed me. But now we are back into the outdoor sports and the packing and the planning and the arranging and I am feeling useful again :) I am by far not a lazy person and after I am settled on the Island and I see how the school routine goes I might look at either a part time job or volunteering for a crisis line or something. What the point of having all the course and diploma that I have and not use it at all?? None and I like to stay busy. And I will not be financially dependent on someone else. Not Corey, not my child support, but on my own finances and student funding. If you want something and you want to OWN it, I believe you need to do it on your OWN. Its quite simple really. Drives other people in my life crazy :)
And once we are moved we already have a couple of planned visits from friends and exploring with them will be fun as well.
So today is a good day and very much looking forward to moving and starting school.
I am hoping they are all good days from here on in :)
Later Gators :)
Kids are registered for their new schools and are very excited. I've been google searching the area with the kids and looking at places we will get to explore together and making a list :) can't wait!!
As for the packing.....I am about 80% done - all that is left is Jackson's room, bathrooms and the everyday stuff we need - I don't think I have been this prepared for moving. Course I have always been employed full-time and the kids activities to get in the way of packing and organizing.
I have donated a lot of toys, old sports equipment, patio set, bar-b-que, dressers, table, lamps etc. All to those in need. Course this means I will be replacing these items when we get moved, but its time I updated the kids furniture.
I was just talking to Corey the other night about how productive I am being and he jokingly called me a hoarder cuz ALL of the stuff I am packing and moving is mine - he packs light lol and thats ok by me. At least I get the last say in what gets purchased then lol - ladies I tell you it sure reduces fights!!!
I cannot believe that I have been in this relationship for 21 months and not a single fight - it amazes me that we communicate so well and that there are no barriers around us. Its like we have known each other our whole lives. And without him supporting me emotionally in this new adventure there is no way I would have had the courage to do so. I am so thankful that not only does he support me but as does my family and friends. It means a lot and makes this move that much easier.
I have faced adversity in life - who hasn't right? I married my friend, at far too young an age and can be lucky enough to say that I divorced my friend 13 years later and we remained friends - not an easy task. I have two beautiful children that are not perfect but are perfect for me and those that love them. I have a wonderful significant other in my life that I cherish. I have fantastic friends and family that know how to make me smile and laugh at my jokes - although I have been told that if law school doesn't work out that there is no doubt I could do stand up lol sure right after you put me in a room to myself - no way - hate public speaking.
Some days are harder than others - today is a good day - today I am looking forward to living where you don't hear sirens a dozen times a day or the non stop traffic that you do in a large city. I am looking forward to the beautiful weather and surroundings that we get to explore. I am not looking forward to living in a town with no Tim Hortons lol and that will never change ;)
I am so looking forward to Black Friday this year and the 2 hour ferry ride that will leave my bank account in tears and my credit card melted I am sure lol I do love to shop, not for me, but for others - always have and always will.
So back to the packing and the moving. I cannot believe that I have been officially unemployed for the past 6 and a half months - where has that time gone? It was great being off over Christmas but January to April just about killed me. But now we are back into the outdoor sports and the packing and the planning and the arranging and I am feeling useful again :) I am by far not a lazy person and after I am settled on the Island and I see how the school routine goes I might look at either a part time job or volunteering for a crisis line or something. What the point of having all the course and diploma that I have and not use it at all?? None and I like to stay busy. And I will not be financially dependent on someone else. Not Corey, not my child support, but on my own finances and student funding. If you want something and you want to OWN it, I believe you need to do it on your OWN. Its quite simple really. Drives other people in my life crazy :)
And once we are moved we already have a couple of planned visits from friends and exploring with them will be fun as well.
So today is a good day and very much looking forward to moving and starting school.
I am hoping they are all good days from here on in :)
Later Gators :)
Wednesday 22 May 2013
A little closer....
So this May long weekend was definitely a productive one! I was lucky enough to have Corey home with me, not only to help motivate me, but to help me go through the garage and start the packing. So out of the enormous amount of stuff in the garage I am betting that I have thrown out 90% of it - so a lot less to have to take with us.
Still packing and organizing - terrified that the move day is going to come faster than I will be ready for. Moving would be much easier if I didn't have kids and all of their activities. Which of course was all self induced by me lol We do baseball for both kids Monday's and Wednesday's, Jackson has soccer Tuesday and Thursday, Sierra has baseball practice Thursday and Sunday, Jackson has dance on Thursday and Sierra has dance on Mondays and Tuesdays. Add in tournaments and all evenings and weekends are devoured.
But I am grateful that I am not working right now, so that I can get a lot of things done during the day. Not just the packing but the registering for school, contacting different moving companies to find the right fit, do the grocery shopping etc.
Plus I am trying to sell a couple of items we decided we didn't need to make the move with us if at all possible.
Add to all this I am again trying to quit smoking. In fact tomorrow is my scheduled first day of no smoking. I am on Champix and it seems to be reducing my cravings. The new place will be smoke free. Hopefully I can kick this addiction this time for good.
So as this move date gets closer I already find I am missing my friends - missing the ones that I can't seem to connect with here and definitely missing my friends down in Medicine Hat. Seems weird that even though now I live 6 hours away at least I could make a quick weekend trip down there and soon, very soon that will no longer be an option for me. And as much as I hate snow, I think I see myself spending every holiday back here in Alberta where the people and places are familiar. And I realize that eventually the Island will be familiar but can't help but doubt it will ever feel like home.
And I wonder how will we meet people, make those friends you do stuff with? I had numerous friends like that in the Hat but here I have only one or two, and I worry that making friends out there won't be so easy - and I may be worrying over nothing but worry is something I do very very well.
So here I sit among partially packed boxes, full boxes and empty boxes trying to decide what we won't need for the next 5 weeks. And wishing I had some of my friends here, not to help but to chat with while I am packing.
Off to get the kids from school and then off to baseball........
Still packing and organizing - terrified that the move day is going to come faster than I will be ready for. Moving would be much easier if I didn't have kids and all of their activities. Which of course was all self induced by me lol We do baseball for both kids Monday's and Wednesday's, Jackson has soccer Tuesday and Thursday, Sierra has baseball practice Thursday and Sunday, Jackson has dance on Thursday and Sierra has dance on Mondays and Tuesdays. Add in tournaments and all evenings and weekends are devoured.
But I am grateful that I am not working right now, so that I can get a lot of things done during the day. Not just the packing but the registering for school, contacting different moving companies to find the right fit, do the grocery shopping etc.
Plus I am trying to sell a couple of items we decided we didn't need to make the move with us if at all possible.
Add to all this I am again trying to quit smoking. In fact tomorrow is my scheduled first day of no smoking. I am on Champix and it seems to be reducing my cravings. The new place will be smoke free. Hopefully I can kick this addiction this time for good.
So as this move date gets closer I already find I am missing my friends - missing the ones that I can't seem to connect with here and definitely missing my friends down in Medicine Hat. Seems weird that even though now I live 6 hours away at least I could make a quick weekend trip down there and soon, very soon that will no longer be an option for me. And as much as I hate snow, I think I see myself spending every holiday back here in Alberta where the people and places are familiar. And I realize that eventually the Island will be familiar but can't help but doubt it will ever feel like home.
And I wonder how will we meet people, make those friends you do stuff with? I had numerous friends like that in the Hat but here I have only one or two, and I worry that making friends out there won't be so easy - and I may be worrying over nothing but worry is something I do very very well.
So here I sit among partially packed boxes, full boxes and empty boxes trying to decide what we won't need for the next 5 weeks. And wishing I had some of my friends here, not to help but to chat with while I am packing.
Off to get the kids from school and then off to baseball........
Friday 17 May 2013
Ok so I have actually started packing :)
Now the issue with packing now is that I have still have 6 weeks in which I need to be able to live and function before we actually move - so now its a matter of what can I live without and what will send me over the edge if I can't find it.
I love baking and its my way of relieving stress and there is nothing more stressful than moving - but the first thing I packed today was all my baking supplies - no baking until I get into my new kitchen so the next 6 weeks are gonna be very interesting.
So yeah its the start of the first long weekend - weather looks like its gonna be fantastic and instead of going out and enjoying my last long weekend in Alberta I am packing, sorting and cleaning. Not my idea of fun.
Course I really need to donate a lot of stuff and do more than a few dump runs.
Still getting moving company quotes and we may just end up renting a truck and doing it ourselves - which here where my friends and family are that can help load is great - out on the island with no one but us three adults is not going to be fun and with any luck this relationship will last our first move lol I am sure it will ;)
Poor kids are gonna home from school today and find lots of boxes to start filling with toys, winter clothes, movies and games.
Still trying to reach the schools out there to get my kids registered, but have a dance studio, and family doctor already set up. Still need to find a nail salon, massage therapist, pharmacy, hair dresser etc and I am very open to recommendations :)
Well enough sitting here and not packing - see you all in a couple of days
Now the issue with packing now is that I have still have 6 weeks in which I need to be able to live and function before we actually move - so now its a matter of what can I live without and what will send me over the edge if I can't find it.
I love baking and its my way of relieving stress and there is nothing more stressful than moving - but the first thing I packed today was all my baking supplies - no baking until I get into my new kitchen so the next 6 weeks are gonna be very interesting.
So yeah its the start of the first long weekend - weather looks like its gonna be fantastic and instead of going out and enjoying my last long weekend in Alberta I am packing, sorting and cleaning. Not my idea of fun.
Course I really need to donate a lot of stuff and do more than a few dump runs.
Still getting moving company quotes and we may just end up renting a truck and doing it ourselves - which here where my friends and family are that can help load is great - out on the island with no one but us three adults is not going to be fun and with any luck this relationship will last our first move lol I am sure it will ;)
Poor kids are gonna home from school today and find lots of boxes to start filling with toys, winter clothes, movies and games.
Still trying to reach the schools out there to get my kids registered, but have a dance studio, and family doctor already set up. Still need to find a nail salon, massage therapist, pharmacy, hair dresser etc and I am very open to recommendations :)
Well enough sitting here and not packing - see you all in a couple of days
Thursday 16 May 2013
the start of the process
So it all started simple enough - go to law school he said - anywhere you want he said - and this Alberta girl did the one thing she never thought she would do.
1. Ace the LSAT exam
2. Choose the University of Victoria
3. Actually move out of Alberta lol
I have lived in Alberta my entire life. I love it here. I see beauty where others see old bald ass prairie. It is familiar to me. My friends and my family are here. And yet we are moving to the Island.
I would be lying if I didn't say I am looking forward to their version of winter and watching sunsets on the Ocean.
So I have moved a lot in my life - one would think it wouldn't be so complicated - but complicated it is.
The love of my life has tasked me with the job of deciding what we are taking and we are not taking. Now he has a point - it is all my stuff - but that doesn't mean I want to go through it lol
The hardest part of the move though was finding a place to live - and this we have already secured and cannot wait to get out there! Out of the city life!!
So back to my mountain of crap I must go through. First you should know I am procrastinator - those of you that know me, I know you are in stunned silence right now to learn this lol
However I have started the task and I have started giving things away - and what I really want to do is just take the boxes in our garage that I haven't looked at in over a year and just throw it all away - but ladies you will understand this far better than the guys will - why I can't just go do that as my guy has suggested we do. In those boxes somewhere, a little in each is something of my childhood, my childrens younger years, special stuffed animals or toys. And how can I just throw that away?? Its a part of me and my family and its a part of my life here in Alberta.
Now I am sensible and realize that it costs a fortune to move to the Island (silly ferry) and I have to down size and so what am I doing? Writing about it instead of actually doing it - maybe tomorrow ;)
So back to the whole idea of moving to BC - I won't know anyone out there, other than my family that is moving with me. Homesickness is gonna be rough, really rough I am sure. Sure am glad I have unlimited long distance on my cell phone. And yet I am excited about finding new picnic places, or places the kids can go swim in a stream, or find shells. The idea that my backyard is a forest amazes me.
Maybe I will finally take the time to actually get a hobby - from what I have gathered on my internet searches there is a lot of different interest groups out there - and would make it a lot easier to make friends and meet people.
So I guess if I had to ask you one question it would be
Have you ever left the only place you have known - what was the greatest positive and the greatest negative?
Later Gators :)
Maybe I will actually go peak in a box............or wait I think Facebook is calling me........
1. Ace the LSAT exam
2. Choose the University of Victoria
3. Actually move out of Alberta lol
I have lived in Alberta my entire life. I love it here. I see beauty where others see old bald ass prairie. It is familiar to me. My friends and my family are here. And yet we are moving to the Island.
I would be lying if I didn't say I am looking forward to their version of winter and watching sunsets on the Ocean.
So I have moved a lot in my life - one would think it wouldn't be so complicated - but complicated it is.
The love of my life has tasked me with the job of deciding what we are taking and we are not taking. Now he has a point - it is all my stuff - but that doesn't mean I want to go through it lol
The hardest part of the move though was finding a place to live - and this we have already secured and cannot wait to get out there! Out of the city life!!
So back to my mountain of crap I must go through. First you should know I am procrastinator - those of you that know me, I know you are in stunned silence right now to learn this lol
However I have started the task and I have started giving things away - and what I really want to do is just take the boxes in our garage that I haven't looked at in over a year and just throw it all away - but ladies you will understand this far better than the guys will - why I can't just go do that as my guy has suggested we do. In those boxes somewhere, a little in each is something of my childhood, my childrens younger years, special stuffed animals or toys. And how can I just throw that away?? Its a part of me and my family and its a part of my life here in Alberta.
Now I am sensible and realize that it costs a fortune to move to the Island (silly ferry) and I have to down size and so what am I doing? Writing about it instead of actually doing it - maybe tomorrow ;)
So back to the whole idea of moving to BC - I won't know anyone out there, other than my family that is moving with me. Homesickness is gonna be rough, really rough I am sure. Sure am glad I have unlimited long distance on my cell phone. And yet I am excited about finding new picnic places, or places the kids can go swim in a stream, or find shells. The idea that my backyard is a forest amazes me.
Maybe I will finally take the time to actually get a hobby - from what I have gathered on my internet searches there is a lot of different interest groups out there - and would make it a lot easier to make friends and meet people.
So I guess if I had to ask you one question it would be
Have you ever left the only place you have known - what was the greatest positive and the greatest negative?
Later Gators :)
Maybe I will actually go peak in a box............or wait I think Facebook is calling me........
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